Efficacy of ECT: a meta-analysis

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Abstract
Several rigorously controlled studies that compared the efficacy of ECT [electroconvulsive therapy] with that of simulated ECT, placebo and antidepressants were analyzed. The data from these studies were combined statistically (with the Mantel-Haenszel method for the combination of 4-fold tables), showing clear superiority of ECT over all these other forms of treatment for severe depression. Data from several studies comparing the efficacy of unilateral nondominant ECT with that of bilateral ECT were analyzed and no significant difference in their efficacy found.