Effect of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Suicide Attempts in Geriatrics Patients with Depression
2018 Young Investigator Grant
Amount Awarded: $84,706
Focus Area: Clinical Treatment Studies
Samuel Wilkinson, M.D.
Yale University
Inside the Research
Question: Does electroconvulsive therapy reduce suicide risk among elderly individuals with major depressive disorder?
Strategy: The Medicare database, available through the Research Data Assistance Center (ResDAC), will be used to investigate the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for reducing suicide attempts among older people. Geriatric patients with depression who received ECT are compared with matched group who did not receive ECT but are starting a third antidepressant trial. The contribution of personal and hospital factors will be considered.
Impact: Knowledge about the effectiveness of ECT to reduce suicidal behavior.
Strategy: The Medicare database, available through the Research Data Assistance Center (ResDAC), will be used to investigate the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for reducing suicide attempts among older people. Geriatric patients with depression who received ECT are compared with matched group who did not receive ECT but are starting a third antidepressant trial. The contribution of personal and hospital factors will be considered.
Impact: Knowledge about the effectiveness of ECT to reduce suicidal behavior.