Effect of ECT on Responses to a Depression Questionnaire: Implications for Taxonomy

Abstract

The classification of depressive illnesses continues to be a problematic and controversial issue (Kendell, 1968; Hope, 1969). The many statistical approaches applied to this complex question since Hamilton's original study (1960) have been reviewed by Kendell (1968). More recently, Pilowsky, Levine and Boulton (1969) have offered evidence (based on the application of information theory taxonomy to patients' questionnaire responses) which supports the validity of regarding ‘endogenous' depression as a clinical entity. Following on this study, Pilowsky and Boulton (1970) have developed a decision rule for the identification of depressive class members and have shown that class membership is related to the response to electroconvulsive therapy; patients in the ‘endogenous' Class B group having a better clinical outcome.