Cognitive outcome following tricyclic and electroconvulsive treatment of major depression in the elderly

• DOI: 10.1176/ajp.148.10.1336
• Publication Date: 2014-12-17T19:38:48Z
• Authors: Alan Stoudemire; Connie Hill; Robert D. Morris; David Martino-Sal...; H Markwalter; Barbara Lewison
• Keywords: Tricyclic; Depression

This study sought to ascertain the affective and cognitive outcome after tricyclic electroconvulsive treatment of elderly medical-psychiatric patients meeting diagnostic criteria for major depression, some whom had normal functioning were cognitively impaired before treatment.Patients who met depression on basis a structured interview scored 17 or more Hamilton Rating Scale Depression evaluated with Mattis Dementia Scale. The then treated in nonrandom manner either antidepressants ECT (followed by maintenance therapy). majority not responded previously tricyclics. Follow-up psychometric testing was repeated 6 months.Among pretreatment functioning, cognition generally stable. Among impairment, substantial number--including those receiving ECT--demonstrated improvement cognition. While improved respect both their states, certain treatment-refractory subgroups nevertheless identified.The data suggest that dysfunction associated may improve number patients, including ECT. Relapse rates, however, be relatively high, residual symptoms persist, which emphasizes need optimal initial long-term antidepressant strategies this population.