Effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy for depression: comparing research studies with real-world clinical data from the Dutch ECT consortium

Comprehensive Psychiatry 2026 Open access

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Authors: Robin Cobben, Dore Loef, Edwin van Dellen, Karin Hagoort, Peter M. van de Ven, Bart Schut, Anja Lok, Roel J. T. Mocking, Karel W.F. Scheepstra, Eric R. van Exel, Mardien L. Oudega, Birit F.P. Broekman
+26 more Anton C.M. Vergouwen, Thomas J.C. Zoon, R.M. Kok, Milou Angevaare, Esmée Verwijk, Jordy J. E. Rovers, Indira Tendolkar, Julia C.M. Pottkämper, Joey P. A. J. Verdijk, Jeroen A. van Waarde, Frank L. Gerritse, Chris D. Schubart, Hanneke van Welie, Sjoerd M. van Belkum, Bartholomeus C. M. Haarman, Maurice Vischjager, Johanna M. Hegeman, Rieky Dikmans, Karen S. van den Berg, Willemijn Heijnen, Tom K. Birkenhager, Didi Rhebergen, Machteld A.J.T. Blanken, Metten Somers, Philip F. P. van Eijndhoven, Annemieke Dols
DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2026.152723
Cited by: 1
References: 30

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for major depressive disorder, yet real-world outcomes may differ from research studies. We compared ECT effectiveness in research versus real-world cohorts and examined whether in- and exclusion criteria and treatment characteristics explain potential differences. METHOD: 1892 patients with MDD from the Dutch ECT Consortium (12 research, 10 real-world cohorts) were included. Outcomes were response (≥50% HDRS reduction), remission (HDRS

Fields of Study & Subjects

Electroconvulsive Therapy Studies Treatment of Major Depression Cardiac Health and Mental Health

Publication details

Journal / source
Comprehensive Psychiatry
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
148
Pages
152723–152723
Publication date
26 May 2026
Language
EN