[The efficacy of ECT treatment in depression: a meta-analysis].
BACKGROUND
The present study analyzed the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), simulated ECT and antidepressant drugs in the treatment of depression.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trials with patient-based efficacy rate were statistically analyzed. Relevant literature for this review was sourced using the databases of MEDLINE for all English language articles between 1966 and 2003. Manual searching of handbooks and sourcing of secondary references extended the search.


RESULTS
ECT treatment was significantly more effective in the treatment of depression than simulated ECT (9 studies, 321 patients), or antidepressant drug treatment (14 studies, 1081 patients).


CONCLUSIONS
ECT treatment is an efficient tool in the short-term treatment of depression, and its effect is superior to antidepressant drug treatment and thus its use may be advantageous in patients suffering from severe depression with elevated suicidal risk.
Gábor
Gazdag
G
Szt. Lászó Kórház, Addiktológiai es Pszichiátriai Ambulancia. gazdag@lamb.hu
László
Tringer
T
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D006801:Humans; D016017:Odds Ratio; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents