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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Electroconvulsive Therapy Recommended For Depression?

Is electroconvulsive therapy a problem for an elderly man - 76, apoe 3/4 - who has mild short-term memory loss? Lifelong major depression, self-medicated with work, can no long work. Took Elavil in 70s, now takes Effexor + 10mg Abilify. Feels he s at the end of his useful life, feels hopeless. Major, major depression.
posted on Thu, 3 Jul 2014
Twitter Thu, 7 Aug 2014 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 8 Aug 2014 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi,

Thanks for writing to us,

Indications of electroconvulsive therapy in Major depression is active suicidality, illness that is resistant to drugs after trying several medication, food refusal leading to medical complications etc. It is not necessary if the patient responds to drugs. One of the side effects of ECT is memory loss. If ECT is indicated in him, it would have to be done with a lot of caution by serially monitoring his mental status. The memory loss caused by ECTs may take upto 6 months to recover.

Hope this helps,

Dr A Rao
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Is Electroconvulsive Therapy Recommended For Depression?

Hi, Thanks for writing to us, Indications of electroconvulsive therapy in Major depression is active suicidality, illness that is resistant to drugs after trying several medication, food refusal leading to medical complications etc. It is not necessary if the patient responds to drugs. One of the side effects of ECT is memory loss. If ECT is indicated in him, it would have to be done with a lot of caution by serially monitoring his mental status. The memory loss caused by ECTs may take upto 6 months to recover. Hope this helps, Dr A Rao