전기경련치료의 최적화를 위한 최근 동향

Recent Trends for Optimization of Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment not only for various mental disorders including epression, mania, and schizophrenia, but also for inadequacy and resistance to pharmacotherapy and the psychiatric emergences. The historical ups and downs of ECT treatment since its first introduction in 1938 were ended by the alidation impacts of evidence-based medicine in the 1980s and by other clinical issues. Clinical research for the ptimization of ECT to maximize therapeutic effects and to minimize adverse effects is ongoing to establish tandardized procedures and educational programs through the ECT center. In addition, guidelines for ECT practices re also being developed for the clinical excellence of ECT practices in accordance with the recommendations of nternational organizations such as World Psychiatric Association and American Psychiatric Association. This rticle was prepared by reviews of the literature, direct observations of ECT practices abroad, and interviews with ECT xperts around the world in order to enhance therapeutic effects with recently updated ECT practices under the elief that the most appropriate treatments should be provided to the patients in need.