THE RESULTS OF SHOCK THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS

A follow-up study six months after discharge from the hospital of 37 patients who had shown affective disorders shows 41 per cent as greatly improved and 76 per cent definitely improved. Of 19 cases diagnosed involutional melancholia, 15, or 78 per cent, have been able to make a social and business adjustment. Moreover, this study has shown that metrazol convulsions given with care can be used in patients in the fifth decade of life. We found also that a few convulsions when used in connection with other forms of therapy may produce satisfactory results in patients suffering from the mixed forms of depression, especially with the agitated depression accompanying the period of involution.