In an open study, seven patients with Parkinson's disease received ECT
for major depression. Both the motor dysfunction and the mood impairment of
these patients improved following an average of seven ECT sessions.
Significant improvement in motor function occurred after only two
treatments. All aspects of Parkinson's disease improved significantly after
ECT. Older patients showed greater improvement in motor function. The
authors conclude that the therapeutic utility of ECT in depressed and
nondepressed patients with Parkinson's disease should be further
evaluated.
Abstract Teaser