Indices of memory recovery following electroconvulsive shock

Abstract

In two experiments recovery of memory for a one-trial passive avoidance task was demonstrated following ECS when a retention ratio was used as an index of retention but not when latency measures were used. In a third experiment, both measures reflected recovery when habituation was controlled and ECS occurred within 10 sec of learning. Habituation attenuated the effect of ECS on retention. These experiments indicate that recovery of memory from ECS does occur when assessed by behavioral indices other than latency and that the effects of ECS are probably on the retrieval rather than the storage or consolidation process.