EFFECTS OF ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY ON CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM.

Effects of electroconvulsive therapy on the pulse rate, blood pressure and electrocardiogram were studied in forty consecutive physically healthy inpatients undergoing ECT for their psychiatric disabilities. Tachycardia and elevated blood pressure occurred frequently. Sinus arrhythmias, atrial and ventricular premature beats and minor ST-T changes were also observed. All these changes reversed within thirty minutes.

INTRAOCULAR TENSION VARIATIONS WITH ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY.

Intraocular tension variations following modified and direct ECT were studied in 40 psychiatric patients. A significant rise of intraocular pressure occurred under both conditions, but was more marked and longer lasting when succinylcholine was used.