The Effects of Pulse ECT in Neurotic and Endogenous Depression
M. W. P. CARNEY M.D., F.R.C.P.I., F.R.C.Psych.1 and
B. F. SHEFFIELD B.Sc., Dip.App.Psych., A.B.P.S.2
1 Consultant Psychiatrist to the Blackpool and Fylde Hospital Group and Lancaster Moor Hospital, Consultant Psychiatrist, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3UJ.
2 Principal Psychologist to the Blackpool and Fylde Hospital Group; Department of Clinical Psychology, Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, Lancs., FY3 8NR
Fifty-three endogenous and 22 neurotic depressives, given pulse ECT, were assessed before and after treatment on a four-point global scale and on Hamilton's Scale. Fifteen endogenous and 14 neurotic depressives also completed the Self Rating Test (S.R.T.) and the Purpose in Life Scale (P.I.L.). After ECT, significantly more endogenous (72 per cent) than neurotic depressives (32 per cent) were socially recovered, and the former showed a significantly greater fall in mean Hamilton's score than the latter. Unlike the neurotic depressives, the endogenous depressives also showed significant falls in S.R.T. number of symptoms and total score and increase in P.I.L. score. These results are taken to indicate that pulse ECT is beneficial in endogenous depression, and to support a diencephalic site of action for ECT.
Submitted on September 10, 1973
