Abuse of medications that theoretically are without abuse potential.

The potential for abuse of medications that are controlled substances is well known. Abuse of certain noncontrolled prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications also may occur. To some degree, any medication that exerts psychoactive effects may be abused if taken in high enough doses or by means that result in high serum or cerebrospinal fluid levels.

ECT in patients with arachnoid cysts.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often considered relatively contraindicated in patients with intracranial space-occupying lesions, especially those with increased intracranial pressure, edema, or mass effect. We describe the safe use of ECT in 6 patients with arachnoid cysts. We conclude that such lesions are probably not associated with increased morbidity in ECT but that neurological evaluation pretreatment is indicated.

ECT in patients with intracranial masses.

The authors describe the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment of seven patients who had intracranial masses or mass effect and one patient who was status post mass resection. None suffered any neurological deterioration during ECT. They provide recommendations for clinical practice with such patients.

Nonconvulsive seizures in electroconvulsive therapy: further evidence of differential neurophysiological aspects of bitemporal versus bifrontal electrode placement.

In recent years, attention has been focused on the role of electrode placement in determining efficacy and cognitive side effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In particular, interest in bifrontal electrode placement has increased. Some evidence indicates differential therapeutic, cognitive, and neurophysiological aspects of bifrontal versus bitemporal ECT.