The influence of age on the response of major depression to electroconvulsive therapy: a C.O.R.E. Report.
As part of a C.O.R.E., multi-site longitudinal study comparing continuation electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) vs. continuation pharmacotherapy, the authors determined the response of 253 patients with major depression to acute-phase, bilateral ECT by use of the 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Remission rates for three age-groups, > or =65 years; 46-64 years; and < or =45 years, were 90 percent, 89.8 percent, and 70 percent, respectively. Age, as a continuous variable, positively influenced response to treatment. Bilateral, dose-titrated ECT is a highly effective acute treatment for major depression, and older age confers a greater likelihood of achieving remission.
O'Connor
M K
MK
Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Knapp
R
R
Husain
M
M
Rummans
T A
TA
Petrides
G
G
Smith
G
G
Mueller
M
M
Snyder
K
K
Bernstein
H
H
Rush
A J
AJ
Fink
M
M
Kellner
C
C
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012074:Remission Induction