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Effects of E.C.T. Upon Psychomotor Speed and the “Distraction Effect” in Depressed Psychiatric Patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 February 2018

M. B. Shapiro ,
D. Campbell ,
A. Harris  and
J. P. Dewsbery
M. B. Shapiro
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Maudsley Hospital, London
D. Campbell
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Auckland, New Zealand
A. Harris
Affiliation:
Bethlem Royal and Maudsley Hospitals, London
J. P. Dewsbery
Affiliation:
Maudsley Hospital, London
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Extract

The investigation described in this paper had two aims. The first of these was to determine the effects of E.C.T. on psychomotor slowness. As has been reported elsewhere (Shapiro and Nelson, 1955), psychiatric patients of the major diagnostic categories have been found to be slower than normal subjects on psychomotor tests. In addition it has been found that such slowness is correlated with subjective estimates by psychiatrists of degree of illness. As E.C.T. is given in order to improve the clinical condition of depressed patients, it was of interest to ascertain the effect of E.C.T. upon slowness.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Mental Science , Volume 104 , Issue 436 , July 1958 , pp. 681 - 695
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1958 

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