This study reviewed the evidence regarding the efficacy of acute electroconvulsive therapy for primary psychotic conditions in the elderly.
Methods:
A literature search was performed using the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases.
Results:
Acute electroconvulsive therapy resulted in an improvement of psychotic symptoms in almost all elderly patients, a large proportion of whom had treatment-resistant conditions. No electroconvulsive therapy related fatalities or severe medical complications were encountered.
Conclusions:
Acute electroconvulsive therapy may present a valuable treatment modality for elderly patients with primary psychotic conditions who do not respond adequately to antipsychotic medications.
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