A Comparative Study of Propofol and Thiopentone Sodium as Induction Agents in Patients Undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy Under General Anesthesia

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a well-established and effective treatment option for several severe psychiatric disorders. The selection of an appropriate induction agent plays an important role in determining seizure quality, hemodynamic stability, and recovery characteristics. Thiopentone sodium and propofol are among the most commonly used anaesthetic agents for modified ECT. Aim To compare the effects of thiopentone sodium and propofol in adult patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy under general anaesthesia. Methods This prospective randomized comparative study was carried out on 50 adult patients undergoing modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The participants were randomly allocated into two groups comprising 25 patients each. Patients in Group T were administered thiopentone sodium for induction of anaesthesia, whereas those in Group P received propofol. Various parameters, including seizure duration, recovery characteristics, and post-ECT hemodynamic variables such as heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and oxygen saturation, were evaluated and documented. Statistical evaluation was carried out using the independent t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and ANOVA, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.