Clinical characteristics associated with relapse 2 years after electroconvulsive therapy for major depression.

Objective: High relapse rates are observed after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for major depression. Identifying patients who are at increased risk for relapse to intensify their treatment regimen post-ECT might reduce relapse rates. We aimed to determine clinical characteristics that are associated with relapse within 2 years after successful ECT.

Influence of adjuvant nortriptyline on the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy: A randomized controlled trial and 1-year follow-up.

Objective: There is limited evidence that adding an antidepressant to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), compared with ECT monotherapy, improves outcomes. We aimed to determine whether the addition of nortriptyline to ECT enhances its efficacy and prevents post-ECT relapse.

Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT).

Influence of an adjuvant antidepressant on the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: The primary indication for electroconvulsive therapy is medication-resistant major depression. There is some evidence that combining electroconvulsive therapy with an antidepressant, instead of electroconvulsive therapy monotherapy, might improve remission rates. However, data on this topic have not been systematically studied.

Possible Synergy Between Electroconvulsive Therapy and Imipramine: A Case Report.

This report describes a 63-year-old woman, who had experienced 3 previous episodes of severe major depressive disorder. The first 2 episodes responded to treatment with antidepressants, whereas the third episode was accompanied by psychotic features and responded well to treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). After a severe relapse, the patient responded very slowly to a second course of ECT and failed to achieve full remission.

Refractory major depression successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with Addison disease.

This report describes a 55-year-old woman who had 1 previous episode of major depression that responded favorably to treatment with tricyclic antidepressants. After the development of Addison disease, she experienced a new episode of major depression that failed to respond to adequate treatment with imipramine and was subsequently successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with steroid cover. The patient did not experience adrenal crisis or adverse effects.