Psychology
Electroconvulsive Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Geriatric Patients
Quick fact
ECT is the most effective acute treatment for severe treatment-resistant depression, with response rates of 70-90% in geriatric patients, far exceeding medication (which typically shows 30-40% response in TRD).
Why this is interesting
When antidepressants fail in an older patient, a treatment that induces seizures sounds frightening and outdated—yet it is often the most effective and rapid option we have. What if the real barrier is our fear, not the procedure?