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Book Review

Clinical Manual of Electroconvulsive Therapy

Rajesh R. Tampi, MD, MS

Published: January 15, 2012

Clinical Manual of Electroconvulsive Therapy

by Mehul V. Mankad, MD; John L. Beyer, MD; Richard D. Weiner, MD, PhD; and Andrew D. Krystal, MD, MS. American Psychiatric Publishing, Washington, DC, 2010, 225 pages, $65.00 (paper).

Clinical Manual of Electroconvulsive Therapy is an updated version of the previously published Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Programmed Text.1

This new book is written by experts on the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). They have used their knowledge to write a book that is concise yet comprehensive. The text is divided into 4 sections: Background, Electrical Stimulus and Procedure, Seizure Monitoring, and Treatment Course. It takes the reader through the history of ECT to the step-by-step administration of ECT. Information provided is up-to-date and well referenced. This volume is easy to read and makes excellent use of tables and figures. An outstanding feature is the use of the appendix section to provide added information for clinicians. This section has information on where additional knowledge and training on ECT can be obtained. Sample consent forms for acute treatment and continuing/maintenance treatments have been provided, and a patient information sheet is also included.

This book has no major omissions; however, a link to a Web site (with access code) and a CD-ROM version would have made the book more user friendly.

Overall, this new book is a terrific value for the money. It provides the reader with up-to-date information on ECT that is easy to read and understand. This book will prove useful to anyone who wants to learn more about ECT, be it a trainee clinician or a seasoned researcher.

Reference

1. Beyer JL, Glenn MD, Weiner RD. Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Programmed Text. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc; 1998.

Rajesh R. Tampi, MD, MS

[email protected]

Author affiliation: Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut. Potential conflicts of interest: None reported.

Volume: 73

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