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Outpatient Electroconvulsive Therapy: Efficacy and Safety
Richard Jaffe1, William Dubin, Beth Shoyer
1Philadelphia Psychiatric Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Convulsive Therapy
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Outpatient electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) effectively manages recurrent mood disorders in older adults. This safe and well-accepted treatment led to favorable responses in 69% of patients, with a low rehospitalization rate.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- Recurrent mood disorders pose significant challenges for elderly patients.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an established treatment for severe mood disorders.
- Outpatient delivery of ECT offers a potentially more accessible treatment option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of outpatient electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for recurrent mood disorders in elderly patients.
- To assess patient acceptance and long-term management outcomes of outpatient ECT.
Main Methods:
- A naturalistic study observed 32 outpatients (mean age 68 years) receiving outpatient ECT.
- Data collected included patient response, discharge status, rehospitalization rates, and dropout rates.
Main Results:
- 69% of patients demonstrated a favorable response to outpatient ECT.
- The rehospitalization rate was 9%, supporting treatment efficacy.
- Patient dropout rates were low, indicating good acceptance.
Conclusions:
- Outpatient ECT is a safe and effective option for the long-term management of recurrent depressive illness in elderly individuals.
- The favorable response and low dropout rates suggest high patient acceptance of outpatient ECT.
- This treatment approach supports continued well-being and reduces the need for rehospitalization.