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Evidence to Improve Care

9

Electroconvulsive Therapy

People with severe or treatment-resistant major depression have access to electroconvulsive therapy.


Electroconvulsive therapy is a safe and effective treatment for severe depression, particularly when symptoms have not responded to antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. People with major depression should be made aware of the effects, side effects, and risks of electroconvulsive therapy so they can make an informed decision about this treatment. If electroconvulsive therapy is contraindicated or not chosen by the patient, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation may be considered as an alternative treatment.

For Patients

If your depression isn’t getting better with antidepressants or psychotherapy, you should have access to electroconvulsive therapy.


For Clinicians

Offer and provide information about electroconvulsive therapy to patients who are not responsive to pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, or as maintenance therapy for patients who have had a positive response to it.


For Health Services

Ensure electroconvulsive therapy is available.

Process Indicator

Percentage of people with severe or treatment-resistant major depression who are offered electroconvulsive therapy

  • Denominator: total number of people with severe or treatment-resistant major depression
  • Numerator: number of people in the denominator who are offered electroconvulsive therapy
  • Data source: local data collection

Percentage of people with severe or treatment-resistant major depression who receive electroconvulsive therapy

  • Denominator: total number of people with severe or treatment-resistant major depression
  • Numerator: number of people in the denominator who receive electroconvulsive therapy
  • Data sources: local data collection, Ontario Health Insurance Plan Claims Database

Structural Indicator

Availability of electroconvulsive therapy

  • Data source: local data collection
Electroconvulsive therapy

This is typically provided about 3 times a week for 2 to 4 weeks.

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