Key result
Electroconvulsive therapy in oldest-old patients with depression was associated with higher response (81.2% vs 67.4%) and remission (53.3% vs 27.4%) rates compared to younger patients.
Why the study?
Depression is common in patients aged 85 years or older, but research on electroconvulsive therapy in this group is lacking and psychopharmacological treatment may have adverse effects.
Does electroconvulsive therapy improve response and remission rates in oldest-old patients with depression?
Population
522 oldest-old patients aged ≥85 years treated with ECT for depression
Comparison
ECT vs propensity score matched young ECT patients and oldest-old depressed patients without ECT
Design
Nationwide register study with propensity score matched controls
Follow-up
Within 1 week from discharge
Authors
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May support considering ECT in selected oldest-old with severe depression; leaves open causality and selection bias in this observational register study.
Cohort (n=522)
Yes
Does electroconvulsive therapy improve response and remission rates in oldest-old patients with depression?
Absolute Event Rate: 81.2% vs 67.4%
ECT is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for depression in patients aged 85 and older, with higher response and remission rates compared to younger patients.
Arnison et al. (2025) conducted a cohort in Depression (n=522). Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) vs. Younger patients treated with ECT and oldest-old patients not treated with ECT was evaluated on Response rate. Electroconvulsive therapy in oldest-old patients with depression was associated with higher response (81.2% vs 67.4%) and remission (53.3% vs 27.4%) rates compared to younger patients.
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