Cognitive functioning in depressed geriatric patients, some with a
history of ECT, was assessed with the Trail Making B test. Depressed
patients over the age of 65 who had had at least one prior series of ECT
performed more poorly on the test than did older patients with no history
of ECT and younger depressed patients regardless of their ECT history. The
groups did not differ in severity of depression. Careful assessment of
elderly patients' history of ECT will allow for more informed decisions
about the current use of ECT and an understanding of the cognitive status
of these patients.Abstract Teaser