Serum creatinine phosphokinase activity in psychiatric patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy.

Elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) has been demonstrated in patients with organic brain pathology. It has been alleged that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) produces significant brain damage. In a group of patients receiving ECT, the levels remained within normal limits although a small rise in skeletal muscle type CPK was demonstrated following treatment. In no case was any brain type CPK isolated.