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Age and the effects of ect
Dr. Andrew M. Wilkinson,
David N. Anderson,
Stephen Peters,
Corresponding Author
Dr. Andrew M. Wilkinson
Senior Registrar in Psychiatry, Fazakerley Hospital, Liverpool, UK
Senior Registrar in Psychiatry, Clatterbridge Hospital, Clatterbridge Road, Bebington, Wirral L63 4JY, UK. Tel:051 334 400Search for more papers by this authorDavid N. Anderson
Consultant Psychiatrist, Fazakerley Hospital, Liverpool, UK
Search for more papers by this authorStephen Peters
Registrar in Psychiatry, Leighton Hospital, Crewe, UK
Search for more papers by this authorDr. Andrew M. Wilkinson,
David N. Anderson,
Stephen Peters,
Corresponding Author
Dr. Andrew M. Wilkinson
Senior Registrar in Psychiatry, Fazakerley Hospital, Liverpool, UK
Senior Registrar in Psychiatry, Clatterbridge Hospital, Clatterbridge Road, Bebington, Wirral L63 4JY, UK. Tel:051 334 400Search for more papers by this authorDavid N. Anderson
Consultant Psychiatrist, Fazakerley Hospital, Liverpool, UK
Search for more papers by this authorStephen Peters
Registrar in Psychiatry, Leighton Hospital, Crewe, UK
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
The relationship between age and the outcome of ECT was prospectively studied in 78 patients with DSM-III-R major depression with melancholia or psychosis. Sixty-eight patients were similarly evaluated for change in cognitive performance before and after treatment. Strongly positive correlations between increasing age, response to ECT and improved cognitive function were demonstrated and emphasize that ECT remains an important treatment for depression in old age, where the greatest benefits may be seen.
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