The Status of Co-morbidities and Short Term Outcomes Among Electroconvulsive Therapy Patients: A Report from Guilan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective for many psychiatric disorders, particularly those resistant or refractory to pharmacotherapy and those requiring a rapid response. Despite the procedure’s safety, high-risk patients require precautions and special attention. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the status of underlying diseases, high-risk conditions, and short-term outcomes in ECT patients. Methods: This study was conducted at an academic psychiatric center in Guilan, Iran, from June 2023 to May 2024. Patients’ demographic and clinical data were recorded. The patients were monitored for complications during the first 24 hours after the procedure. Results: A total of 156 psychiatric patients who underwent ECT, with a mean age of 46.62 ± 14.14 years, participated in this study; among them, 83 (53.2%) were male. Bipolar disorder type 1 (36.5%) and schizophrenia (30.8%) were the most common diagnoses. Hyperlipidemia (28.8%) and diabetes (26.3%) were the most common underlying diseases. The results showed a statistically significant association between diabetes (P = 0.034), hypertension (P = 0.001), heart disease (P = 0.016), high Body Mass Index (BMI) (P = 0.023), and individuals’ gender. A statistically significant association was also seen between diabetes (P = 0.003), hypertension (P = 0.026), high BMI (P = 0.066), and patients’ age. Conclusions: This study revealed that although a large number of ECT patients had at least one underlying disease or risky condition, no significant post-procedure complication was observed. This finding indicates the proper performance of the medical team as well as good communication between anesthesiologists and psychiatrists.