Book Review: Clinical manual of electroconvulsive therapy

From the publisher:

Authors of Clinical Manual of Electroconvulsive Therapy offer this volume to help psychiatrists successfully incorporate electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) into their clinical practices. ECT remains the definitive treatment for a variety of mental disorders because it is often effective when other treatments fail. The book updates the 1985 original and 1998 second edition of Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Programmed Text, and provides readers with a scheduled approach to understanding the fundamental concepts of ECT while offering practical guidance for establishing and maintaining an ECT program. Included are detailed descriptions of recent advances that have made this very effective treatment much safer and more acceptable to patients. Currently, it is estimated that more than 100,000 people receive ECT treatments each year in the U.S. Indications for use of ECT are for mood disorders such as major depressive disorder and mania, and for thought disorders including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Indications for use in other psychiatric disorders and general medical disorders are reviewed as well.

From the CPNP Member:

ECT is one of the oldest and most effective treatments for major depressive disorder. In addition ECT may be considered in patients with refractory bipolar disorder and schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder. Due to complexities surrounding medication management before, during, and after ECT psychiatric pharmacist must be privy to the basic concepts of ECT. This book, in an easy to read manner, lays out the background of ECT (history, indication, pre-screening evaluation), basic concepts regarding the actual procedure and electrical stimulus, key monitoring parameters during the procedure, and discusses potential adverse effects of ECT. A chapter on anesthetics and other medications used during ECT is also included in the book.

This is not only a book for inpatient psychiatric pharmacists but potentially useful for those working in outpatient settings, as this book also highlights information regarding maintenance ECT. Included in the 225 pages are numerous appendices which include educational materials and patient information sheets. For those interested in expanded their knowledge on a commonly used treatment modalities for multiple psychiatric illnesses, the Clinical Manual of Electroconvulsive Therapy a book for any psychiatric pharmacist's bookshelf.