Electroconvulsive therapy and occupational functioning in individuals with major depression.
Maarten Pieter Bjørn-Rozing1, Merete Osler2, Martin Balslev Jørgensen3
1Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Copenhagen K, 1014, Denmark.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|December 17, 2025
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) initially delayed return to work for major depression patients, but occupational functioning improved over time. This finding supports ECT
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Occupational Health
- Health Economics
Background:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a primary treatment for severe depression.
- Its impact on patients' long-term occupational functioning requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare labor market trajectories of individuals with major depression who received ECT versus those who did not.
- To assess the effect of ECT on employment and social transfer payments.
Main Methods:
- Population-based cohort study in Denmark (2000-2022) including 6672 ECT-treated and 27,940 non-ECT patients.
- Matched by age and sex, with labor market outcomes tracked for 1 year pre-ECT to 3 years post-ECT.
- Sequence analysis and Cox regression analyzed time to regained employment.
Main Results:
- ECT patients had lower baseline employment (6.9% vs. 39.5%) but higher education/marriage rates.
- ECT was associated with a delayed return to work within 6 months (HR: 0.59).
- Similar or faster return to work was observed at 7-12 months (HR: 1.12) and 1-3 years (HR: 1.05).
Conclusions:
- ECT is linked to initial delays in occupational recovery.
- Comparable or improved long-term return to work supports continued use of ECT for major depression.
- ECT's role in psychiatric treatment and patient rehabilitation is supported.
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