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Effects of premedication with meprobamate and phenobarbital on adrenocortical response to ECT

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Summary and Conclusions

  1. 1.

    The levels of hydrocortisone in the peripheral blood of patients awaiting ECT are higher than in the same patients at the same time of the day when no ECT is anticipated.

  2. 2.

    The pre-ECT rise is effectively suppressed by meprobamate premedication.

  3. 3.

    ECT is usually followed by a rise in the hydrocortisone level of the blood, reaching maximum within 75 minutes post-ECT.

  4. 4.

    The effect of meprobamate premedication on the post-ECT pattern of adrenocortical response appears to be one of slight suppression, a slightly more prompt response, and a slight prolongation.

  5. 5.

    The effect of phenobarbital premedication appears also to be a more prompt response, with exaggeration and prolongation of the response.

  6. 6.

    Individual variability in adrenocortical response to ECT was observed.

  7. 7.

    Wilder's law of initial values appears to apply also to adrenocortical function.

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References

  1. Bliss, E. L.; Migeon, C. J.; Nelson, D. H.; Samuels, L. I., and Branch, C. H. H.: Influence of ECT and insulin coma on level of adrenocortical steroids in peripheral circulation. Arch. Neurol. and Psychiat., 72:352–361, 1954.

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  2. CoTui, F.; Brinitzer, W.; Orr, A.; and Orr, E. L.: Effect of chlorpromazine and of reserpine on adrenocortical function.Psychiat. Quart., 34:1, 47–61, January 1960.

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  5. Persky, H., and Heath, H. A.: Effect of I. V. corticotropin on plasma hydrocortisone in man. J. Clin. Endocrinol. and Metab., 17:632, 1957.

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  6. Wilder, J.: Adrenalin and the law of initial values: a critical review. Exper. Med. and Surg., 15:47–67, 1957.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Science Development Board Republic of the Philippines, 25 and Boston Streets Port Area, Manila

    Frank Co Tui M.D., Walter Brinitzer M.D. & Alfonso Orr M.A., M.S.

Authors
  1. Frank Co Tui M.D.
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  2. Walter Brinitzer M.D.
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  3. Alfonso Orr M.A., M.S.
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Tui, F.C., Brinitzer, W. & Orr, A. Effects of premedication with meprobamate and phenobarbital on adrenocortical response to ECT. Psych Quar 35, 432–444 (1961). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01573612

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01573612

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