Decreasing the Use of Unmodified Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in an Indian Hospital

"The major intervention proposed in this study is the introduction of low dose IV propofol for sedation prior to ECT treatment at C.S.M Medical University. The investigators will use a dose of 0.25 to 0.50 mg/kg of IV propofol. The maximum dose of 0.50 mg/kg is not sufficient for anesthesia (i.e., to make unconscious), but should provide a light level of sedation and be amnestic, meaning the patient should have memory loss for the period of time around the ECT procedure itself. The propofol dose will be titrated upwards (from an initial dose of 0.25 mg/kg) with successive treatments in increments of 0.05mg/kg, until it is just sufficient to be lightly sedating. ECT will be administered 30 to 60 seconds after propofol is injected. ECT may be given up to three times per week."