Table BSummary of findings on nonpharmacologic treatment of adult treatment-resistant depression (TRD) with strength of evidence for Tier 1 (TRD) for KQ 1b, comparative efficacy of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments

ComparisonOutcomeNumber of SubjectsStrength of Evidence*Findings†
ECT vs. pharmacotherapyChange in depressive severity39Low1 fair trial: ECT had significantly greater improvement in symptom severity than pharmacotherapy.
ECT vs. pharmacotherapyResponse rate39Low1 fair trial: ECT had significantly greater response rates than pharmacotherapy.
Psychotherapy vs. pharmacotherapyChange in depressive severity0NANo eligible studies identified. ‡
Psychotherapy vs. pharmacotherapyResponse rate0NANo eligible studies identified. ‡
Psychotherapy vs. pharmacotherapyRemission rate0NANo eligible studies identified. ‡

ECT = electroconvulsive therapy; NA = not applicable; rTMS = repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; vs. = versus

*

Strength of evidence is based on guidance provided in the AHRQ Methods Guide for Comparative Effectiveness Reviews; see text.

†

Good and fair designations relate to quality ratings for each study.

‡

At least one Tier 2 and/or Tier 3 study addressed this comparison.

From: Executive Summary

Cover of Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults
Nonpharmacologic Interventions for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults [Internet].
Comparative Effectiveness Reviews, No. 33.
Gaynes BN, Lux LJ, Lloyd SW, et al.
Copyright Notice

NCBI Bookshelf. A service of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.