Magnetic seizure therapy for severe depressive episodes: An open-label case series.

BACKGROUND

Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) is a potential alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with a favorable cognitive adverse effect profile.

CASES: We present the first report of MST administration in India on six patients with severe depressive episodes referred for convulsive therapy. MST was administered thrice weekly under general anesthesia. Four of six patients achieved remission following MST (mean 8.5 sessions per patient, range 7-13). No clinically meaningful cognitive decline occurred; reorientation was consistently rapid with mild self-limiting adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

MST was feasible and safe within the existing ECT infrastructure, with meaningful clinical effectiveness, and preserved cognitive function.