Article: PDF OnlyGreenberg Lawrence B. M.D.; Gage, John M.D.; Vitkun, Stephen M.D.; Fink, Max M.D.Convulsive Therapy: December 1987 - p 269-277 Free Abstract Summary: Isoflurane anesthesia therapy (IAT) has been suggested to have persistent antidepressant activity. In a replication trial, IAT was performed in six patients who had a recurrence of a severe depressive episode, previously treated with ECT. In 21 of 26 IAT sessions, an isoelectric electroencephalogram lasting between 5 and 12 min was recorded. Clinical antidepressant activity was not observed. It is concluded that IAT is not an effective replacement for ECT in the treatment of major depressive disorders. © Lippincott-Raven Publishers.
