Acute Depression and ECT

Posted by Andrew on July 06, 1999 at 02:01:31
How effective is ECT in the treatment of acute depression; particularly with the elderly?

Posted by HFHS.MD-AJ on July 08, 1999 at 18:55:15
Andrew,
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for major depressive disorder, in patients who have failed adequate antidepressant medication trials, are unable to tolerate antidepressant medications, have severe or psychotic symptoms, are acutely suicidal or homicidal, or have profound stupor or agitation.
Some studies suggest that elderly patients tend to respond to ECT more slowly than do young patients, because the seizure threshold increases with age. About 70-80% of depressed patients across all age groups respond to ECT.
This response is provided for general information only. Always contact your physician for any health concerns.