Recent investigations of convulsive therapy have emphasized EEG delta activity as the neurophysiologic basis for the induced behavioral change.1-5Little study, however, has been given to the biochemical effects of this therapy, except in the course of investigations of head injuries. In investigations of head trauma significance has been ascribed to changes in the acetylcholine-cholinesterase systems both for the behavioral and for the electroencephalographic effects. An increase in free acetylcholine6and an alteration of the ratio of cholinesterases7in the spinal fluid have been positively correlated with the degree of EEG abnormality and degree of neurologic deficit. The EEG patterns were "blocked," and some improvement in clinical status was reported following the administration of atropine.7,8In convulsive therapy, atropine and scopolamine were observed to block the appearance of delta activity,9although the systemic effects of the large doses of these agents were marked. Recent reports

Effect of Anticholinergic Agent, Diethazine, on EEG and Behavior

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