Major Depressive Disorder in the Older Adult Associated With Globus Pharyngeus and Weight Loss – An Indication for Electroconvulsive Therapy

William V. McCall, Argyro Athanasiadi, Christine Bowie, Peter B. Rosenquist

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aspiration pneumonia and extreme weight loss are risks whenever globus pharyngeus (GP) complicates major depressive disorder (MDD) in the older adult. The timely administration of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may reverse GP in this context. We review cases of GP in depressed older adults and describe both successful outcomes, as well as a fatal outcome associated with delays in offering ECT. MDD in the older adult complicated by GP and marked weight loss, or repeated aspiration, should be considered an urgent indication for ECT.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)235-239
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Volume30
Issue number2
Early online dateOct 26 2021
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 26 2021

Keywords

  • electroconvulsive therapy
  • globus pharyngeus
  • major depression
  • Older adult
  • weight loss

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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