title: Electroconvulsive therapy in Massachusetts.
abstract: A study of the use of electroconvulsive therapy in Massachusetts shows that between 1974 and 1980 ECT use decreased significantly in both public- and private-sector hospitals. This decline was particularly pronounced in public-sector hospitals. The average age of ECT-treated patients rose during the period; women received ECT more often than men; and bilateral ECT remained in more frequent use. Though ECT was most frequently prescribed for major depression, about 20% of those receiving it were diagnosed as having a dysthymic disorder. State regulation and advances in psychiatric treatment may partially explain the decrease in ECT use.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D006777:Hospitals, Proprietary; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006783:Hospitals, State; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D014600:Utilization Review