Objective: This study aims to evaluate the adverse effects observed during the first electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) session at the Bakirkoy Prof. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery.
Method: This retrospective study included 1,449 patients who received ECT between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, diagnoses, ECT administration details, and adverse effects were collected from patient records. Before each ECT session, patients or their legal representatives provided written informed consent. The study excluded patients with cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, or neuromuscular diseases or unstable medical conditions.
Results: During the first ECT session, some patients experienced specific adverse effects. Prolonged seizures occurred in 7.8% of patients, while inadequate seizures were observed in 12.4%. Post-anesthesia recovery issues were reported in 1.0% of patients. Additional minor complications included confusion (0.2%), agitation (0.5%), headache (0.1%), bradycardia (0.7%), and hypersalivation (1.0%). The absence of a seizure (5.4%) or inadequate seizures (12.4%) were documented as undesirable effects. No severe complications were recorded in the patient population studied.
Conclusion: While some adverse effects are common, they are generally mild and transient, making ECT a safe and effective treatment option for severe psychiatric disorders. Our findings further highlight that the safety profile is consistent across sexes, reinforcing ECT’s broad applicability. Careful monitoring and management of side effects are crucial to maintaining patient safety and optimizing treatment outcomes.