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Predictors for Electroconvulsive Therapy Response: An International Collaborative Study

PREDICT-ECT

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), i.e. the induction of a cerebral seizure under anaesthesia and muscle relaxation using electrical stimulation, is an effective treatment for severe psychiatric disorders. Effective treatments are particularly important for conditions such as depression, which is the largest contributor to disability worldwide. The aim is to contribute to more personalized treatment and improved selection of patients who are most likely to benefit from ECT.

The project uses existing clinical datasets from Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Germany, and consists of three work packages (WP) that each tackle a clinically and scientifically meaningful challenge related to ECT response prediction in depression. Participants are adult patients with depression who have received ECT treatment.

The analyses will include genetic data (WP1), functional immune system measures (WP2), measurements of physical activity obtained from activity trackers (WP3) and clinical assessments of depressive symptoms.

In the long term, the knowledge gained from the project can contribute to safer and more targeted treatment for patients with severe depression.

  Alexander Sartorius,  Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Germany  

South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority (HSØ)

Soili Marianne Lehto

s.m.lehto@medisin.uio.no

Miriam Zangani Jaer

miriam.mahsa.zangani.jaer@ahus.no

Guro Pauck Bernhardsen

guro.pauck.bernhardsen@ahus.no

William Denault

Owen Thomas

Pouya Movahed Rad

Kaija Järventausta

Last updated 5/21/2026