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The 'anti delirium' theory of electroconvulsive therapy action

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Bruce Charlton

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Abstract

It is proposed that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is not specifically mood-elevating or anti-depressant but that its effect is as an anti-delirium intervention. I suggest that ECT exerts its primary therapeutic effects by inducing a generalized epileptic seizure which operates on the brain like a deep and restorative sleep that acts rapidly to resolve delirium. Provided that the diagnosis is made using sufficiently sensitive criteria, delirium is here assumed to be a common feature of many so-called 'functional' psychoses - frequently occurring as a consequence of sleep deprivation, and leading to symptoms such as hallucinations, bizarre delusions and psychomotor retardation. Testable predictions of this 'anti-delirium' theory of ECT action are described.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Charlton BG

Publication type: Note

Publication status: Published

Journal: Medical Hypotheses

Year: 1999

Volume: 52

Issue: 6

Pages: 609-611

Print publication date: 01/06/1999

ISSN (print): 0306-9877

ISSN (electronic): 1532-2777

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1054/mehy.1999.0857

DOI: 10.1054/mehy.1999.0857

PubMed id: 10459846

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