Continuation therapies after successful treatment with electroconvulsive therapy in major depressive disorder

Although the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) predates the use of any other biologic treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) available today, it remains the most effective treatment for the illness. Unlike antidepressant medications, ECT is commonly discontinued upon resolution of the acute depressive episode. However, relapse rates after an acute course of ECT for MDD are extremely high, and some form of continuation therapy is indicated to prevent relapse. We present findings from a literature review on various forms of continuation treatment after a successful acute course of ECT for patients with MDD. These include various forms of pharmacotherapy, ECT, and the combination of the two.