Predictors of the Response and Relapse/Recurrence After ECT for Depressed Patients

Objective: Psychiatrists have long sought a quantifiable biomarker of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) response. Although ECT is highly effective for treatment of patients with major depressive episode, a high rate of relapse/recurrence is a major problem after discontinuation of ECT. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors related to the response of ECT, to predict ECT response early, and to investigate the clinical predictors affecting the time to relapse/recurrence after ECT. Methods: Patients with major depressive episode who require ECT treatment will be enrolled. ECT will be performed regularly. The 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) and other scales will be assessed before ECT, after every 10 days, till to an expected average of 50 days, and monthly during the 6-month follow-up period. Other measures also will be performed before the first ECT, at an expected average of 50 days, and at the end of follow-up period. Predictors of the response and relapse/recurrence after ECT and early prediction of ECT response will be obtained by statistic methods.