Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026

MRI-guided dmPFC-rTMS as a Treatment for Treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder
Published on: August 11, 2015
ECT beyond unipolar major depression: systematic review and meta-analysis of electroconvulsive therapy in bipolar
A Bahji1, E R Hawken1, A A Sepehry2
1Department of Psychiatry, Providence Care Hospital, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
Objective:
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the response, remission, and speed of response in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder in depressive episode (BDD) receiving an acute course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) were quantitatively analyzed.
Methods:
Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines, 1660 citations were identified through five electronic databases. Nineteen articles met final inclusion criteria for meta-analysis.
Results:
The pooled response and remission rates with ECT in MDD were 74.2% (n = 1246/1680) and 52.3% (n = 850/1626), respectively. In BDD, they were 77.1% (n = 437/567) and 52.3% (n = 275/377), respectively. Although response rates to ECT were statistically higher in BDD (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56-0.95, P = 0.02), remission rates were similar (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.65-1.26, P = 0.56). Individuals with BDD vs. MDD required fewer number of ECT sessions to achieve response (SMD = -0.23, 95% CI: -0.44 to -0.023, P = 0.03). There were no significant moderator effects identified.
Conclusion:
Response rates and speed of response are higher in individuals with BDD; however, remission rates are equivalent. These findings support increased utilization of ECT in individuals with treatment-refractory BDD.
Related Concept Videos
Long-term Depression
Long-term Depression
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
Freezing Point Depression and Boiling Point Elevation
The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which its vapor pressure is equal to ambient atmospheric pressure. Since the vapor pressure of a solution is lowered due to the presence of nonvolatile solutes, it stands to reason that the solution’s boiling point will subsequently be increased. Vapor pressure increases with temperature, and so a solution will require a higher temperature than will pure solvent to achieve any given vapor pressure, including one...
Depressants
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Depression: Overview

