Maintenance ECT is associated with sustained improvement in depression symptoms without adverse cognitive effects in a retrospective cohort of 100 patients each receiving 50 or more ECT treatments.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective acute treatment for depression, but relapse is common following discontinuation. One strategy for prolonging remission is the use of maintenance ECT, but the clinical evidence supporting its efficacy and safety are limited. We examined the effects of maintenance ECT on depression and cognition.

Methods

Participants were from a retrospective cohort of 100 patients receiving ECT at a freestanding psychiatric hospital and who received at least 50 treatments during a single treatment series. QIDS, BASIS-24, and MoCA were assessed at baseline and every 10 treatments thereafter during the clinical course.

Results

ECT was associated with a rapid decrease in depression symptoms and overall self-reported mental h

SUBMITTER: Luccarelli J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7289157 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature