Fixed high-dose electroconvulsive therapy in the elderly with depression: a double-blind, randomized comparison of efficacy and tolerability between unilateral and bilateral electrode placement.

Objective: To evaluate efficacy and tolerability of unilateral (RUL) and bilateral (BL) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the elderly with depression.

Methods: Thirty-nine elderly inpatients with major depression referred to ECT were randomized into RUL or BL ECT, using high, fixed electrical doses. Cognition and depression severity were assessed before, during, and 1 month after treatment.