ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY EFFECTS ON COGNITION AND MEMORY AND NURSE’S ROLE

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is brain stimulation with a short controlled series of electrical pulses co-administered with intravenous anesthesia. Aims: The aim of this review is the evaluation of electroconvulsive effect as a first and second choice psychiatric treatment associated with memory impairment effects. Method: A literature review search took place between 1989 to 2014, concerning aspects and reports of ECT. Results: Specifically 27 studies were selected and in nine of those (33.3%) ECT was used as a first choice treatment. Overall 44% (12) of the papers resulted to noticeable cognitive impairment and memory deficits. Conclusion: ECT is a life savor treatment for life threatening cases where quick results are needed and where pharmacotherapy has failed, yet a large percentage of authors (44%) conclude that cognitive side effects are noted after ECT sessions