Risks vs. benefits
Commenting on the study, Mark S. George, MD, distinguished professor of psychiatry, radiology, and neurology, and director of the brain stimulation division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, said this was a “well-written review of how frequently patients who are undergoing modern ECT have bone fractures or dental fractures during the procedure.”
Dr. Mark S. George
Dr. George, who was not involved with the research, added that modern medications and management “make ECT a truly safe procedure.”
“It is not without some risk, but these risks are low, especially when compared to the risks of untreated or undertreated depression or catatonia, like suicide,” he said.
Dr. Andrade publishes an e-newsletter supported by Sun Pharmaceuticals, with payments made directly to registered charities, but does not benefit financially from the relationship. His travel expenses for delivering lectures and workshops have been supported by the organizers themselves or pharmaceutical companies at the behest of the organizers. He has provided advice to various pharmaceutical companies and has received “nominal compensation.” He has also received payments for developing educational materials for scientific initiatives and programs, such as for the Behavioral and Neurosciences Foundation of India, PsyBase India, Texas Tech University USA, the Nordic Association for Convulsive Therapy, and the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology. Dr. George reports no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.