-Caveat Lector- "...older Americans receive one-third of all ECT treatments administered in the United States, even though they comprise less than 10% of all psychiatric inpatients." =============================================== From Clinical Psychiatry News Electroconvulsive Tx Appears Effective in Depressed Elderly Mary Ann Moon [Clinical Psychiatry News 27(3):41, 1999. © 1999 International Medical News Group.] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Washington -- The news on electroconvulsive therapy among elderly patients is reassuring: It is being used correctly and is very effective in this age group, Daniel P. Chapman, Ph.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association. In their review of the literature on ECT in elderly patients, Dr. Chapman of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Dr. J. Patrick Moulds of the University of Maryland, Baltimore, found one study showing that older Americans receive one-third of all ECT treatments administered in the United States, even though they comprise less than 10% of all psychiatric inpatients. Their response rates were impressive -- 70%-86% in the seven studies reviewed by the investigators. Dr. Chapman also said that ECT is useful for a wider range of depressive symptoms among elderly than among younger patients. It is particularly helpful for treating anxiety or agitation associated with depression, he noted. ECT also is advantageous because it has a more rapid onset of action than antidepressant medication, and it induces fewer adverse effects that precipitate the discontinuation of treatment. The rate of relapse is the same as that with antidepressants, Dr. Chapman added. Although acute confusion has been reported immediately after ECT in older patients, that problem resolves and most patients' cognitive function actually improves as depressive symptoms remit. For elderly patients who have cardiovascular disease, premedication with labetalol and nifedipine to control heart rate and blood pressure minimizes their risks, he said. Cardiovascular complications occur in less than 10% of elderly patients who undergo ECT, and the complications generally are not associated with sustained morbidity. ================================= Robert F. Tatman [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Remove "nospam" from the address to reply. NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml POSTING THIS MESSAGE TO THE INTERNET DOES NOT IMPLY PERMISSION TO SEND UNSOLICITED COMMERCIAL E-MAIL (SPAM) TO THIS OR ANY OTHER INTERNET ADDRESS. RECEIPT OF SPAM WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE NOTIFICATION OF THE SENDER'S ISP. ____________________________________________________________________ Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com. DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
