Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
Psychotic depressive subtype and white mater hyperintensities do not predict cognitive side effects in ECT: A
Mike A van Kessel1, Joris J B van der Vlugt1, Harm-Pieter Spaans2
1Antes PG, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Background:
Most studies regarding cognitive side-effects following ECT for treating depression report transient forms of cognitive disturbances. However, a growing number of studies also report considerable differences among individual patients.
Objective:
The aim of this systematic review was to identify pretreatment patient characteristics for predicting the risk of developing cognitive side-effects following ECT.
Methods:
Online databases PubMed/Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched for articles published from 2002 through May 2019, using the following relevant search terms: #cognitive deficits AND #Electro Convulsive Therapy. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied for full-text inclusion. PRISMA guidelines were used.
Results:
Our initial search yielded 2155 publications; 16 studies were included. A total of 16 possible predictive factors were identified. Two factors, psychotic features and white matter hyperintensities, were conclusively found to not predict cognitive side-effects following ECT; the remaining 14 factors were inconclusive.
Conclusions:
There is robust evidence that psychotic features and white matter hyperintensities are not predictive of cognitive side-effects following ECT. None of the other 14 factors examined were predictive, however these levels of evidence were weak and therefore inconclusive. Additional studies focusing primarily on pretreatment patient characteristics for predicting cognitive side-effects following ECT are needed, including demographic, clinical, physiological, neurobiological, and genetic factors. Finally, we provide suggestions for future research.
Related Concept Videos
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Depression: Overview
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy

