ECT ‘linked with lower mortality’ in seniors with depression

The treatment should be considered in older patients at short-term risk of suicide, US researchers say
Reuters Health
Depressed older man in hospital with doctor

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality for a year in older adults hospitalised with a mood disorder, US researchers say.

The procedure also appears to be associated with short-term protection against suicide, they add.