Prediction of response to ECT with routinely collected data in major depression

Little is known about the possibility to predict response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with major depression. The aim of this study is to create an index for the prediction of response to ECT in an individual patient. Fifty-three depressive patients referred for ECT were included. Poor response was defined as a decrease in Hamilton Rating Depression Scale less than 50%. With multivariable analyses a simple index of independent predictors was constructed. Thirty-one patients (58%) showed poor response. The index comprised age