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

Abstract
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.