Table 3.

Factors favoring consideration of continuation ECT

Positive response to index ECT Patient preference Failure of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy to achieve remission in the past Intolerance to effective pharmacological agents or side effects unacceptable to the patient Limited medical illness that could increase risk of further ECT or anesthesia Trials to discontinue ECT result in rapid reemergence of depressive symptoms despite optimization of pharmacological interventions and/or pharmacotherapy Potential for high stakes complications is there were a relapse, ie, return of intense suicidality or catatonia No barriers to the logistic issues in complying with outpatient ECT (such as transportation and availability of a friend or family to be involved in care; ability to take a day off for the ECT procedure, if applicable)

ECT: electroconvulsive therapy.