Serum prolactin, electrode placement, and the convulsive threshold during ECT

W. Vaughn McCall, Richard D. Weiner, Bernard J. Carroll, Frank E. Shelp, James C. Ritchie, Shirley Austin, Judy Norris

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8 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examines the relationship of serum prolactin changes (ΔPRL) to variations in electrode placement after controlling for differences in the convulsive threshold. Previous studies showing greater release of PRL with bilateral (BL) compared with right unilateral (RUL) electrode placement were conducted without knowledge of the convulsive threshold. Twenty-two patients each received threshold RUL, threshold BL, 2.25 times threshold RUL, and 2.25 times threshold BL ECT. Serum PRL was collected 5 min before and 15 min after each electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The convulsive threshold was greater for BL than RUL electrode placement. ΔPRL was greater with BL than RUL ECT at comparable relative stimulus intensities. ΔPRL was not correlated with seizure duration or absolute stimulus dose.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)81-85
Number of pages5
JournalConvulsive Therapy
Volume12
Issue number2
StatePublished - 1996
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Electroconvulsive therapy
  • Electrode placement
  • Prolactin
  • Seizure threshold

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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    McCall, W. V., Weiner, R. D., Carroll, B. J., Shelp, F. E., Ritchie, J. C., Austin, S., & Norris, J. (1996). Serum prolactin, electrode placement, and the convulsive threshold during ECT. Convulsive Therapy, 12(2), 81-85.