Electroconvulsive therapy for comorbid major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder.
OBJECTIVE
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder frequently co-occur. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for refractory major depressive disorder. We examined the effect of ECT in patients with co-occurring major depression and PTSD.


METHODS
Using a retrospective chart review, we examined the outcome of the cases of 26 patients with major depression and co-occurring PTSD who received a course of ECT. The patients received either suprathreshold right unilateral, bilateral, or a combination of both. Using paired t test analysis, we compared the pretreatment and the posttreatment symptoms using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the PTSD Checklist.


RESULTS
The patients receiving ECT had a significant reduction in the symptoms of major depression and some amelioration in PTSD symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Electroconvulsive therapy may be an effective treatment for patients with refractory depression and co-occurring PTSD.
Watts
Bradley V
BV
VA Outcomes Group Research Enhancement Awards Program, VA National Center for Patient Safety, White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT 05001, USA. bradley.v.watts@dartmouth.edu
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009511:New England; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014728:Veterans