Electroconvulsive Therapy in the Medically Ill Elderly.
Treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) of medically ill geriatric patients with affective disorders is described. Of 135 patients to whom ECT was administered in 6 years, 55% were over 60 years of age. One-third (45) exhibited cardiovascular (62%), central nervous system (15%), or other medical conditions (22%) increasing the risks of the treatment. Treatment strategies are described.
Hay
Donald P.
DP
Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin Medical School and Medical College of Wisconsin; and Geriatric Psychiatry Sinai Samaritan Medical Center Program, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.