Effects of unilateral-nondominant vs. bilateral ECT on memory and depression: a preliminary report.
Reported are preliminary results from a randomized, double-blind study comparing the differential effects of unilateral-nondominant (UND) and bilateral (BL) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on memory function and clinical efficacy. The study included the serial administration (before, shortly after, and 6 months following a course of ECT) of behavioral ratings and memory tests for dominant and nondominant, anterograde and retrograde memory functions. Thus far, clinical improvement shortly after a course of ECT and 6 months later was significant for the entire sample and did not differ between the UND and BL groups. Most memory ratings worsened significantly after ECT, but returned to baseline levels 6 months later. Surprisingly, the scores generally did not differ between the UND and BL groups at any time point. Clinical implications for choice of administration are discussed.
Janicak
P G
PG
Illinois State Psychiatric Institute, Chicago.
Sharma
R P
RP
Israni
T H
TH
Dowd
S M
SM
Altman
E
E
Davis
J M
JM
D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008875:Middle Aged