title: Spontaneous length of depression and response to ECT.
abstract: Electro-convulsive treatment (ECT) was therapeutically ineffective in 27 (20%) of 136 depressed patients. Failure to respond occurred in long-lasting depressions and in patients with a history of long-lasting depressions. In these cases the depression lasted at least 6 months. The hypothesis is proposed that ECT is effective only when given within 6 months of thespontaneous end of the depression. Clinical and nosological implications are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents