NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOMATIC COMPLICATIONS OF ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY (ECT) – A REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Martyna Stanik; Elżbieta Trzyna; Klaudia Jurkowska; Joanna Górak; Eleonora Y. Mahoney; Ewa Bełc; Agata Reliszka; Aleksandra Stadnik; Anna Gliwa; Anastazja Gibowska

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5019

Authors

Martyna Stanik Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6539-8932
Elżbieta Trzyna University Children's Hospital in Cracow, Cracow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0746-6989
Klaudia Jurkowska Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0205-6999
Joanna Górak Clinical Department of Dermatology, AMiSNS St. Adalbert Hospital in Gdańsk https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5536-8269
Eleonora Y. Mahoney Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0846-9727
Ewa Bełc Intern doctor, USK nr 2, Medical University of Lodz, Żeromskiego ST. 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0224-8162
Agata Reliszka Provincial Hospital named after Maria Skłodowska-Curie, 95-100 Zgierz, ul. Parzęczewska 35, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6744-8667
Aleksandra Stadnik Medical Intern, University Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4764-3980
Anna Gliwa Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0251-0591
Anastazja Gibowska Collegium Medicum named after Ludwik Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6799-3277

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5019

Keywords:

Electroconvulsive Therapy, ECT, Cognitive Complications, Memory, Cardiovascular Disorders, Neuropsychology

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains one of the most effective treatment modalities for severe psychiatric disorders, particularly treatment-resistant depression, catatonia, and schizoaffective disorders. Despite its well-established efficacy, ECT continues to generate controversy due to the potential for neuropsychological and somatic complications. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of ECT-related complications, incorporating the latest scientific findings, underlying mechanisms of cognitive deficits, risk factors, and strategies to minimize adverse effects. Evidence indicates that most cognitive deficits are transient; however, they necessitate careful monitoring, meticulous premedication, and individualized treatment planning in clinical practice.

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