A 64-year-old man is admitted to the psychiatric unit after an unsuccessful suicide attempt. Following admission, he attempts to cut his wrists three times in the next 24 hours and refuses to eat or drink anything. He is scheduled to have electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) because he is so severely depressed that an antidepressant is deemed too slow-acting. Which of the following side effects should the patient be informed is common after ECT?

a. Headache

b. Palpitations

c. Deep venous thromboses

d. Interictal confusion

e. Worsening of the suicidal ideation

the answer is below…

Continue reading →