Adverse Effects and Efficacy of Bifrontal Electroconvulsive Therapy: Insights From a Retrospective Study at a Leading Mental Health Institution in Türkiye
Journal of ECT, cilt.42, sa.2, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 42 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1097/yct.0000000000001192
- Dergi Adı: Journal of ECT
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: bifrontal electroconvulsive therapy, adverse effects, psychiatric disorders, cognitive safety, treatment outcomes
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: – This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bifrontal electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in managing psychiatric disorders, focusing on the occurrence and progression of adverse effects across treatment sessions. Methods: – A retrospective review was conducted using medical records of 2130 patients who underwent ECT between 2019 and 2023 at a major psychiatric center in Türkiye. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical data, and treatment-related adverse events were analyzed. Bifrontal ECT was administered according to standardized protocols, with continuous monitoring of vital signs and adverse effects. Results: – The majority of patients (86%) underwent ECT due to failure of pharmacotherapy. The mean age of the cases was 30.95±10.15 years, with schizophrenia (30.7%) and bipolar mania (26.9%) being the most common diagnoses. Adverse event rates decreased from 13.7% in the first session to 1.2% in the tenth. Prolonged seizures (9.1% in session 1, 0.8% by session 10) and mild cognitive effects, such as confusion (0.2% to 0.4%), were observed but were managed effectively. Rare complications included hypersalivation (0.2% to 1.3%) and dental trauma (0.1%). No severe or life-threatening events were reported. Overall, bifrontal ECT achieved full remission in 57.6% and partial remission in 28.9% of patients. Conclusions: – Bifrontal ECT demonstrates a favorable safety profile and clinical efficacy, particularly in cases unresponsive to pharmacological treatments. The low rates of cognitive and physiological adverse effects underscore its utility as a balanced therapeutic approach. Future studies are warranted to expand on these findings and refine treatment protocols.