Assessment of cognitive impairments and seizure characteristics in electroconvulsive therapy with and without sodium valproate in manic patients.

Author(s): Haghighi M(1), Bajoghli H, Bigdelou G, Jahangard L, Holsboer-Trachsler E, Brand S.

Affiliation(s): Author information: (1)Research Center for Behavioral Disorders and Substance Abuse, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.

Publication date & source: 2013, Neuropsychobiology. , 67(1):14-24

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was two-fold: (1) to compare, in a controlled double-blind quasi-randomized clinical trial, treatment improvements, treatment outcome, and cognitive impairments in patients suffering from current manic episodes, while treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with and without concurrent sodium valproate therapy, and (2) to compare ECT seizure characteristics in patients with and without concurrent sodium valproate therapy. METHODS: A total of 40 inpatients (mean age = 31.80 years, SD = 8.06; 75% males) suffering from bipolar disorders and currently in a manic state took part in the study. They were quasi-randomly assigned either to the target (continuation of sodium valproate administration) or to the control group (discontinuation of sodium valproate administration). All patients underwent bifrontal ECT for at least 6 sessions. Improvements and cognitive impairments were assessed, and seizure characteristics (duration, threshold) were also recorded. RESULTS: Manic episodes improved significantly over time, and irrespective of the group (target vs. control group). Cognitive impairments did not alter over time or between groups. Seizure duration did not change over time or between groups. Seizure threshold did not change over time, but was lower in the target than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Continuing the administration of sodium valproate neither adversely affects, nor enhances cognitive impairments or seizure duration, but reduces seizure threshold during ECT in patients suffering from manic episodes. Moreover, gender appeared to be more strongly associated with cognitive impairment and seizure activity than treatment approaches in these psychiatric conditions.