A comparison of propofol and thiopentone use in electroconvulsive therapy: Cognitive and efficacy effects

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare thiopentone and propofol administration for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in terms of associated efficacy and cognitive side effects in the immediate and medium term. METHOD: Participants comprised 30 depressed patients who were administered either propofol or thiopentone as an anesthetic agent for ECT. Clinical rating scales and a battery of neuropsychological tests were administered at baseline, after 6 treatments, 1 to 3 days after treatment end point, and at 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: Thiopentone administration was associated with advantages in efficacy and cognitive side effects compared with propofol administration. CONCLUSIONS: Th..