TINNITUS AND ECT

We report the case of a 69-year-old man with major depressive disorder and occupational tinnitus; both problems were refractory to several d ifferent treatment modalities, but were successfully treated with elec troconvulsive therapy (ECT). The tinnitus was present for 15-20 years, but had worsened during the 3 years before treatment, causing him sig nificant distress. Extensive organic workup did not identify a treatab le etiology for his symptoms. To date, he has been hospitalized four t imes due to depressive symptoms associated with tinnitus. He has recei ved ECT each time, and has responded well on each occasion.