Overgeneral memory predicts stability of short-term outcome of electroconvulsive therapy for depression.

Journal article

PURPOSE: To investigate the predictive value of overgeneral memory (OGM) for outcome of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression. METHODS: The Autobiographical Memory Test was used to measure OGM in 25 patients with depression before ECT. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) was administered weekly to 1 week posttreatment. RESULTS: Overgeneral memory did not predict HRSD scores from the last ECT treatment, but did predict HRSD change scores from the last treatment to 1-week follow-up: patients high in OGM experienced a relatively greater increase in HRSD scores after the last treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Results further extend the status of OGM as a predictor of an unfavorable course of depression to a previously unstudied ECT population.

Authors: Raes, F; Sienaert, P; Demyttenaere, K; Peuskens, J; Williams, J

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: journal of ECT
• Volume: 24
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 81-83
• Publication date: 2008-03-01
• DOI: 10.1097/yct.0b013e31814da995
• EISSN: 1533-4112
• ISSN: 1095-0680
• Language: English
• Keywords: Female; Humans; Electroconvulsive Therapy; Memory Disorders; Depressive Disorder, Major; Linear Models; Middle Aged; Adult; Male; Predictive Value of Tests; Aged; Neuropsychological Tests; Aged, 80 and over