Electroconvulsive Therapy - Hardcover

Abrams, Richard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195070577 ISBN 13: 9780195070576

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1992

Synopsis

In this extensive revision of his comprehensive textbook on ECT, Dr. Richard Abrams draws upon his broad clinical experience and intimate knowledge of the literature to provide a unique guide to ECT that stresses both the medical physiology of the procedure and its application to the high-risk patient. Now illustrated with many graphs and figures, the new text is over 100 pages longer than the first edition and contains more than 300 new references. The chapter on management of the high-risk patient has been greatly expanded, as has the section on the technique of ECT, which is now divided into two chapters: Theory and Praxis. Of particular importance to clinicians are Dr. Abrams' updated and exquisitely-detailed stepwise guide to the practical administration of ECT, his new recommendations for maximizing the therapeutic yield of ECT, and his advice on optimal handling of its medico-legal aspects, based on his extensive experience as an expert witness. In full accordance with the American Psychiatric Association's new guidelines for the practice of ECT, this essential resource remains the primary reference and guide for those who prescribe, perform, or assist with ECT.

About this title

About the Author:

Richard Abrams, M.D., is Professor of Psychiatry at The Chicago Medical School. He has conducted clinical and basic science research on ECT for more than a quarter of a century, during which time he has authored over 70 articles, books, and chapters on the subject. Dr. Abrams is also a widely-respected lecturer, whose many dozens of conferences and workshops on ECT have been enthusiastically received by thousands of practitioners attending them over the years. He has been a member of the Editorial Board of the journal Convulsive Therapy since its inception. Dr. Abrams also has numerous ECT-related patents to his credit, and is President of Somatics, Inc., a firm that manufactures and distributes the Thymatron ECT device.

Review:

" ... this book reflects the author's intimate knowledge of an indispensable psychiatric treatment. ... I recommend it for psychiatrists -- particularly those who prescribe or administer ECT, for residents, for clinical psychologists and for anyone else with clinical or research interests in ECT. ... This comprehensive review of a complex and sometimes controversial topic by one of the leading researchers in the field is highly recommended for both the clinician and researcher." Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience (1999)

Praise for previous editions:

"This single-authored text is clearly written from a unique and independent point of view. It expresses the opinions and experiences of more than a quarter century of active study of electroconvulsive therapy....Abrams may justly be proud of this accomplishment which will surely improve the standard of modern psychiatric practice."--Convulsive Therapy

"The coverage of neuropsychiatric disorders is excellent, and the description of the clinical parameters of practice, such as the number of ECT treatments to administer and the characteristics of depressed patients most likely to respond, is comprehensive....Virtually all the issues of concern to clinicians are covered. This is a well written, easy-to-read book on ECT that should serve as a standard reference for both clinicians and researchers in the field."--Journal of Neuropsychiatry

"This book represents the standard of practice for electroconvulsive therapy....I recommend this book to all training programs in psychiatry and active ECT practitioners. It is the most authoritative text in ECT at present."--The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease

"A thorough, scholarly addition to the field of ECT. The textbook draws upon the extensive clinical and research experience of the author and displays his comprehensive knowledge of the literature and serves as an adequate guide for the administration of ECT....I highly recommend Dr. Abrams'...textbook. This is, overall, the best general textbook covering the topic presently available. It provides a comprehensive overview of the preclinical and clinical use of electroconvulsive therapy and should be considered must reading for all psychiatric residents and clinicians who practice ECT."--Depression

"An excellent, concise, fair, and up-to-date review of this form of therapy....Abrams' book should help the practitioner weigh the pros and cons of ECT himself and aid him and his patients in making enlightened treatment decisions."--Psychiatry

"Dr. Abrams has produced a masterpiece that summarizes...much of what psychiatrists want to know about ECT. The style is crisp and the ideas flow cogently and clearly."--Annals of Clinical Psychiatry

"A book that has proven to be influential in the area of somatic treatments for affective disorders....There is an abundance of information that would be useful to the psychologist working in a setting where ECT is used....This book provides a synopsis of the important areas to be considered and is therefore very useful in a clinical setting. It is easy to read and understand, and it is the best source of information on ECT for the clinician."--Contemporary Psychology

"An outstanding and comprehensive third edition...Any clinician that is involved i nthe treatment of patients with mental illness should read this book. All psychiatry residents should be required to know the relevant topics that this book covers."--Doody's Journal

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0195070577
• ISBN 13: 9780195070576
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 352