Subtypes of memory dysfunction associated with ECT: Characteristics and neurobiological bases

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treat ment for a variety of psychiatric syndromes. However. one of its adverse secondary effects is ne urocognitive dysfunction. The aim of this paper is to review different subt ypes of memory dysfunction associated with ECT from a neuropsychological pe rspective. Declarative memory is clearly impaired after ECT. Immediate memo ry, however, is broadly preserved. Few studies have addressed procedural an d incidental memory. Selective memory is impaired. probably due to the disr uption of specific brain regions. Some of the possible neurobiological base s oi ECT memory dysfunction are discussed in this paper. Synaptic plasticit y, the cerebral neurotransmission system. and cerebral metabolism are exami ned in relation to the dysfunction and subsequent recovery of each memory s ubtype.