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Comparison of Electroconvulsive Therapy with Imipramine in Endogenous Depression: A Double Blind Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

B. N. Gangadhar
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore 560 029, India
R. L. Kapur*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore 560 029, India
S. Kalyanasundaram
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore 560 029, India
*
Correspondence and reprints.

Summary

Electroconvulsive therapy was compared with imipramine in the treatment of endogenous depression in a double blind randomized controlled trial. Both treatments produced equally significant improvement which was equally maintained till the end of six months. However ECT produced its effects quicker with lesser subjective side effects to the patient. ECT did not cause any organic brain dysfunction as assessed at the end of three and six months.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1982 

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