Anneke Thornton
Doctor of Clinical Psychology, (Doctor of Clinical Psychology)
Study Completed: 2015
College of Humanities & Social Sciences
Citation
Thesis Title
Cognitive Change and Assessment during Electroconvulsive Therapy
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for medication resistant depression; however, it is often associated with cognitive side effects such as memory loss. Ms Thornton''sresearch investigated what the cognitive side effects of ECT were amongst individuals receiving the treatment in the lower North Island. She conducted cognitive assessments prior to, during and after their courses of ECT. Using the results of the assessments and current published research in this field, she developed a screening measure designed to detect cognitive changes early on in treatment. If cognitive decline is detected early, the way in which ECT is administered can be altered. It is hoped that psychiatrists and other health professionals working with individuals receiving ECT will use this measure to help prevent long term cognitive side effects from ECT.
Supervisors
Professor Janet Leathem
Associate Professor Ross Flett