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Electroconvulsive therapy in the very old

D A Casey1, M H Davis

  • 1University of Louisville, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Edward E. Landis Geriatric Psychiatry Center, Norton Hospital, KY, USA.

General Hospital Psychiatry
|November 1, 1996
PubMed
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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective and safe for older adults aged 75 and above with depression. This study found high response rates and manageable complications in this age group.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Psychiatry
  • Neuroscience
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Concerns exist regarding the safety and efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in elderly populations.
  • Older adults (75+) with depression represent a vulnerable group requiring effective treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the outcomes and complications of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients aged 75 years and older.
  • To assess the safety and effectiveness of ECT as a treatment for depression in the very old.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of a 5-year experience with ECT was conducted.
  • Data from two university psychiatric services were analyzed for patients aged 75 years or older.
  • Outcomes and complications associated with ECT were systematically reviewed.

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Main Results:

  • Out of 22 patients aged 75 and above, 19 (86.3%) responded positively to ECT.
  • Five patients (22.7%) experienced complications, ranging from minor to substantial.
  • ECT demonstrated a high response rate in this elderly cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for depression in individuals aged 75 and older.
  • ECT is considered a reasonably safe therapeutic option for the very old, despite potential complications.
  • The findings support the use of ECT for geriatric depression when indicated.