Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a psychiatric treatment involving the induction of a seizure through the transmission of electricity in the brain. Because of exploitation movies and greatly heightened drug company promotional activities ECT was used less frequently in the 1980s and 1990s. Eventually these movies were understood as unrealistic. Now these drugs are increasingly recognized as dangers to body health. Because of recent refinements and a far better scientific understanding of the clinical procedures and mechanisms underpinning ECT, this treatment modality has seen a resurgence in use and widespread appreciation of its safety. This book is the new definitive reference on electroconvulsive and neuromodulation therapies. It comprehensively covers the scientific basis and clinical practice of ECT as well as comparisons between ECT and medication therapies including the new generation of antipsychotic drugs. It also provides readers with administrative perspectives and specific details for the management of this modality in clinical practice. The new forms of nonconvulsive electrical and magnetic brain stimulation therapy are also covered in detail, in a separate section. The chapter authors are leading scholars and clinicians.

The definitive reference on electroconvulsive and neuromodulation therapy, covering the scientific basis, clinical practice, and administrative perspectives for ECT use.

About the Author
Dr Conrad Swartz is a board-certified psychiatrist, elected fellow and past president of the Association for Convulsive Therapy, and two-time recipient of the Clinical Research Award from the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists for studies involving ECT. His extensive scholarly publications about electroconvulsive therapy and clinical pharmacology reflect his combining doctoral skills in engineering with medical psychiatry to find new practical solutions to clinical problems. He has directed ECT programs at several medical schools as well as research, education, and clinical programs. He is a co-author of the recently published title Psychotic Depression (Cambridge University Press, 2007)

Reviews
'... I anticipate that an ECT practitioner will either want his or her own copy of this book, or at least have one available in the local library. The editor and publisher are to be congratulated for providing this valuable resource.' Allan Scott, MD, FRCPsych, Royal Edinburgh Hospital
'It will serve as the benchmark for books covering these important treatment modalities and should be required reading for any clinicians who treat patients with severe psychiatric disorders.' Doody's
'... an important achievement ... There is nothing like it anywhere on the subject. It should be on the bookshelf of anyone practising or intending to practise ECT ... will contribute worldwide to the understanding and advancement of ECT and other neurotherapeutic modalities.' The American Journal of Psychiatry



Book Information
ISBN 9780521883887
Author Conrad M. Swartz
Format Hardback
Page Count 648
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 1700g
Dimensions(mm) 261mm * 184mm * 42mm