Evaluation of cumulative cognitive deficits from electroconvulsive therapy.

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective acute treatment for severe depression, but widely held concerns about memory problems may limit its use.

Aims: To find out whether repeated or maintenance courses of ECT cause cumulative cognitive deterioration.

Method: Analysis of the results of 10 years of cognitive performance data collection from patients who have received ECT.