Receipt of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Subsequent Development of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Cohort Study

Abstract

Overview

This research explores the connection between the administration of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study utilized a large cohort from the U.S. Medicare database spanning from 1997 to 2017.

Findings

• The study found moderate increases in the hazard ratios (HR) for ALS post-ECT, with a notable risk increase observed in individuals undergoing more than 10 ECT treatments.
• A statistically significant elevation in ALS hazard ratio was detected in recipients over 65 years who underwent multiple ECT sessions.
• Despite the regarding findings, the exposure-response relationship was not strictly monotonic, prompting the need for further investigation.

Conclusion

The results tentatively support the hypothesis that ECT might increase the risk of ALS, especially with frequent treatment. The study calls for further research to solidify these findings and verify the potential health risks associated with ECT treatments, particularly in vulnerable groups.