The memory loss associated with bilateral and nondominant unilateral ECT
was assessed with verbal memory tests known to be sensitive to left
temporal lobe dysfunction and with nonverbal memory tests known to be
sensitive to right temporal lobe dysfunction. Bilateral ECT markedly
impaired delayed retention of verbal and nonverbal material. Right
unilateral ECT impaired delayed retention of nonverbal material without
measurably affecting retention of verbal material. Nonverbal memory was
affected less by right unilateral ECT than by bilateral ECT. These
findings, taken together with a consideration of the clinical efficacy of
the two types of treatment, make what appears to be a conclusive case for
unilateral over bilateral ECT.
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