Use of Ketamine vs Methohexital for Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) on Patient Recovery and Re-orientation Time

The Use of Ketamine Versus Methohexital for Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Cross-Over Comparative Study on Patient Recovery and Re-Orientation Time

When undergoing ECT treatments, patient recovery time and re-orientation time may be shorter using ketamine for induction than using methohexital.

ECT treatments are done under general anesthesia, and the induction is commonly done with methohexital. We will study whether using ketamine as an induction agent will result in a faster recovery time and quicker re-orientation time compared to using methohexital.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients eligible for ECT with a primary mood disorder (bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder) will be eligible to participate in this study. - Patients must have decisional capacity and must be able to consent for this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with a primary psychotic disorder (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder); patients designated as having an American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) Status of greater than 3;
• patients with a known allergic reactions to methohexital , ketamine and succinylcholine;
• patients with current or previous history of aneurysms, intracranial bleeds, or intracranial hypertension;
• patients with uncontrolled severe hypertension.