Clinical variables as predictors of response to electroconvulsive therapy in endogenous depression.

There is lack of consensus on the clinical variables that predict response to ECT. Identification of clinical variables could help in predicting the type of response before the start of ECT Therefore, a prospective study on 22 patients of severe depression, some of whom were drug-naive and others drug free at time of ECT was undertaken. A maximum of six ECT were administered with a prior definition of 'good response' (60% or greater reduction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores) Results showed that three clinical variables could distinguish between good responders and poor responders Hence, response to ECT was associated with the duration of past depressive episodes, suicidal thoughts and somatic symptoms.