Review on the Comparative Effectiveness of Ketamine and Electroconvulsive Therapy in Treatment-Resistant Depression
Pakistan Journal of Medicine and Dentistry September 29, 2025 Maryam Qayyum, Saud Khan, Abdul Shakoor et al.
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) affects 20–30% of people with major depressive disorder and is hard to treat. Ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are two promising nontraditional interventions. They differ in how they work, how fast they act, how long benefits last, and their safety. This review compares their clinical effectiveness, response and remission rates, and side effects, and discusses patient selection, treatment protocols, and practical considerations. The authors emphasize tailoring treatment to each patient to improve outcomes.