title: A Comment on the Efficacy of Unilateral Versus Bilateral ECT.
abstract: Ten studies comparing the efficacy of unilateral versus bilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) were reexamined. Three different methods of meta-analysis applied to the combined results revealed statistical significance in favor of bilateral ECT for the relief of depression. The recognition that bilateral ECT has some advantage over unilateral is in sharp contrast to an overly strong conclusion to the contrary previously reached by Janicak et al. (1985), in reviewing the same studies. Alternative statistical methods for evaluating the significance of combined results from several independent studies are illustrated with reference to previously published ECT research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: John E.
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Overall
authors.forename: Howard M.
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Rhoades