Retrospective comparison of effectiveness of right unilateral ultra-brief pulse with brief pulse ECT in older adults (over 65) with depression

Abstract

Background: To compare response, remission and switch (to other pulse width and/or electrode placement) rates and number of treatments between groups receiving right unilateral ultra-brief (RUL-UB), Bitemporal brief (BT), Bifrontal Brief (BF) and Right unilateral brief (RUL-B). Method: Data was collected from case notes in three centers. There were 133 in total, grouped as RUL-UB (50), BT (43), BF (23), RUL-B (17). Two of the three centers had a preferred electrode placement and pulse width. Results: Apart from age, the groups did not differ significantly on sex distribution, proportion of bipolar depression and psychotic symptoms. 56% of patients in RUL-UB switched compared to 12.5% in RUL-..