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Simultaneous major depression and panic disorder: treatment with electroconvulsive therapy
G S Figiel1, C F Zorumski, P M Doraiswamy
1Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, St. Louis 63110.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) improved both major depression and panic disorder in eight patients. This suggests ECT may be a viable treatment for individuals with co-occurring depression and panic disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
Background:
- Major depression and panic disorder frequently co-occur, potentially leading to worse prognoses and increased suicide risk.
- Some patients with comorbid depression and panic disorder may not respond well to standard antidepressant treatments.
- This study examines the clinical outcomes of patients with simultaneous major depression and panic disorder undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical course of patients with simultaneous major depression and panic disorder treated with ECT.
- To evaluate the efficacy of ECT in managing comorbid major depression and panic disorder.
Main Methods:
- Eight consecutive patients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for both major depression and panic disorder were included.
- Patients received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
- Clinical Global Impressions severity ratings and structured clinical interviews were used for evaluation.
Main Results:
- All eight patients presented with severe depression and marked panic disorder prior to ECT.
- All patients demonstrated improvement in their depressive symptoms following ECT.
- No panic attacks were reported by any patient from their fourth ECT treatment until discharge.
Conclusions:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) showed positive results in all eight patients with simultaneous major depression and panic disorder.
- Further research is warranted to explore the potential effectiveness of ECT for this patient population.