ArticleBrain and behavior2025
Age-Dependent Efficacy of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Depression: A Longitudinal Study of Symptom Trajectories and Treatment Predictions.
Article in Brain and behavior, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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8 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundThe variability in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) efficacy for depression has received significant attention, particularly regarding the influence of age on treatment outcomes. However, studies examining the trajectory of ECT efficacy across different age groups remain limited.
methodsThis longitudinal study analyzed 1056 intensive longitudinal data measurements from 132 hospitalized patients diagnosed with major depressive episodes, categorized into a young group (<30 years, n = 69) and an older group (≥30 years, n = 63). Depression severity was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HAMD-17) at baseline and within 24 h after each ECT session, with data collected for up to eight treatments. Statistical analyses included linear mixed-effects model (LMM), survival analysis, and linear regression to evaluate the impact of age on ECT efficacy, the predictive ability of depression scores, and differences in symptom dimension improvements (core depressive symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, and somatic symptoms).
resultsLMM analysis revealed that each ECT session significantly reduced total HAMD-17 scores (β = -2.166, p < 0.001), with greater improvement observed in the older group (β = 0.463, p < 0.001). Symptom dimension analysis showed significant reductions in core depressive symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, and somatic symptoms, with greater improvement in anxiety and somatic symptoms in older patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the older group achieved remission with fewer sessions than the younger group (median: 5 vs. 7, χ
conclusionAge significantly influences ECT efficacy and the prediction of treatment requirements, with older patients exhibiting better responsiveness. Initial depression scores effectively predict the number of treatments required, supporting the need for age-specific, personalized ECT treatment strategies.
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