Transient anosmia during acute phase electroconvulsive therapy: a report of 2 cases.

Treatment-resistant psychiatric illness poses a clinical challenge to psychiatrists in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Although electroconvulsive therapy is a relatively safe option for the treatment of these patients, initiation of this treatment requires a conscientious discussion of the risks and benefits of the procedure to obtain informed consent. The 2 cases presented here describe transient anosmia, a seldom reported but potentially significant adverse effect of electroconvulsive therapy.