The Use of ECT in the Elderly—Looking Beyond Depression

• Published in: Current psychiatry reports Vol. 24; no. 9; pp. 451 - 461
• Main Authors: Chatham, Anthony N., Shafi, Hadia, Hermida, Adriana P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.09.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: COVID-19; Electroconvulsive therapy; Geriatric Disorders (JA Cheong; Geriatrics; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Mental depression; Mental disorders; Older people; Psychiatry; Section Editors; Topical Collection on Geriatric Disorders; Depression; Electroconvulsive therapy; Elderly; Geriatric; ECT; Dementia
• ISSN: 1523-3812; 1535-1645
• DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01353-0

Purpose of Review We reviewed recent evidence on the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the geriatric population. This review looked at the literature on depression, for which there is a breadth of data, as well as other conditions that have historically not been as well studied, as well as attempting to provide practical recommendations for ECT practitioners. This review also examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ECT in the elderly. Recent Findings ECT shows robust efficacy across many psychiatric diseases, from depression and bipolar disorder to psychosis and catatonia. It has also shown positive results at improving behavioral symptoms of dementia, as well as improving motor symptoms seen in Parkinson’s disease. It is routinely found to be a safe treatment as well, generally with only minimal transient side effects. Summary ECT should not be considered a “last-resort” treatment for geriatric patients suffering from psychiatric disorders. It has historical and recent literature supporting its use in many psychiatric disorders and has been shown to be safe with minimal side effects when appropriate considerations are taken for the elderly population.