J Gerontol Nurs
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Although ECT has been the subject of controversy for decades, ECT has brought increased chances for recovery to many people suffering from severe depression. Crossfield (1988) states the evidence is overwhelming that treatment of some depressive clients with ECT is the best treatment available. Other researchers have found that ECT is equal to, and sometimes superior to, other therapies for major depressive disorders (Gomez & Gomez, 1993). ⋯ Sixth, ECT can be contraindicated when certain other medical conditions are present. Persons suffering from severe cardiac or pulmonary disease are frequently disqualified for treatment due to the risk of receiving anesthesia. Last, people usually require a prophylactic treatment with antidepressant medication, even if a complete, acute phase response to ECT is attained (pp. 26-27).