| Comparison | Outcome | Number of Subjects | Strength of Evidence* | Findings† |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECT vs. rTMS | Withdrawals | 30 | Low | 1 fair cohort study: no difference in withdrawals between ECT and rTMS groups (P = NR). |
| ECT vs. sham | Withdrawals | 0 | NA | No eligible studies identified. ‡ |
| rTMS vs. sham | Withdrawals | 337 | Insufficient | 7 trials (1 good, 6 fair): trials showed mixed results about withdrawals attributed to adverse events. |
| VNS vs. sham | Withdrawals | 235 | Low | 1 good trial: VNS had greater withdrawals attributed to adverse events than sham (significance NR). |
| CBT vs. usual care | Withdrawals | 0 | NA | No eligible studies identified. ‡ |
CBT = cognitive behavioral therapy; ECT = electroconvulsive therapy; NA = not applicable; NR = not reported; rTMS = repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; VNS = vagus nerve 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
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