OBJECTIVES: To examine the safety and efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients over the age of 75 years. METHOD: Retrospective study of all patients over 75 years treated with ECT in three hospitals between 1995 and 1997. RESULTS: Ninety-three ECT courses were administered during the study period. Ten patients (10.8%) suffered complications following ECT. The most common adverse events were prolonged confusion and hypomania, all of which resolved within 2 weeks of the cessation of treatment. Eighty-five per cent of patients made a marked or moderate response to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: ECT is a relatively safe and effective procedure in patients over age 75.
OBJECTIVES: To examine the safety and efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients over the age of 75 years. METHOD: Retrospective study of all patients over 75 years treated with ECT in three hospitals between 1995 and 1997. RESULTS: Ninety-three ECT courses were administered during the study period. Ten patients (10.8%) suffered complications following ECT. The most common adverse events were prolonged confusion and hypomania, all of which resolved within 2 weeks of the cessation of treatment. Eighty-five per cent of patients made a marked or moderate response to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: ECT is a relatively safe and effective procedure in patients over age 75.
Authors: Chris Plakiotis; Fay Barson; Bharathi Vengadasalam; Terry P Haines; Daniel W O'Connor Journal: Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat Date: 2013-06-05 Impact factor: 2.570