A Multivariate Analysis of the Experience of 423 Depressed Inpatients Treated with Electroconvulsive Therapy

Stepwise multiple logistic regression was used in an attempt to identify variables associated with "recovery" in a group of 423 depressed inpatients who received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Patients who had recovered were older at index admission than the nonrecovered, and had received fewer ECT sessions. They were less likely to have a secondary depression, to have Winokur's depression spectrum disease, to receive lithium, or to have a chronic course. The significance of the findings is discussed.