Patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who receive multiple electroconvulsive therapy sessions: characteristics, indications, and results.

Background: While electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been used for many years, there is insufficient research regarding the indications for continuation/maintenance (C/M)-ECT, its safety and efficacy, and the characteristics of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who receive multiple ECT sessions. The aims of this study were to characterize a series of patients who received 30 ECT sessions or more, to describe treatment regimens in actual practice, and to examine the results of C/M-ECT in terms of safety and efficacy, especially the effect on aggression and functioning.

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 20 consecutive patients (mean age 64.

Serotonin transporter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and citalopram effectiveness and side effects in children with depression and/or anxiety disorders.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the association between polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene and citalopram effectiveness and side effects in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and/or anxiety disorders.

Methods: Outpatients, aged 7- 18 years with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR) MDD and/or anxiety disorder were treated in an 8-week open trial with 20-40 mg/day of citalopram. Subjects were genotyped with respect to short (s) versus long (l) forms of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter, and the relationship between genotype and outcome and side effects was assessed.