Effect of propofol versus sodium thiopental on electroconvulsive therapy in major depressive disorder: a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial.

Objectives: To compare propofol and sodium thiopental as anesthetic agents for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in major depression with respect to clinical effect.

Methods: Participants were composed of 96 patients with depression who were administered either propofol or sodium thiopental as an anesthetic agent for bilateral ECT. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was administered at baseline and after 6 treatments.