Persistent cognitive side effects after ECT: treatment resistant or not?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for severe and treatment‑resistant depression, yet a subgroup of patients continues to experience persistent cognitive complaints up to six months after treatment, affecting daily functioning. Cognitive remediation has shown promise in other populations with cognitive impairments, but research on its application for persistent ECT‑related cognitive difficulties remains limited. In 2022, Amsterdam UMC established the CONNECT clinic to screen and treat patients with ongoing cognitive complaints following ECT. During the pilot phase (2021–2024), 31 patients were referred to the clinic, of whom 16 received cognitive remediation. Clinical data collection is ongoing to evaluate treatment outcomes. Preliminary findings indicate that patients report improvements in their personally defined goals after completing the program. Although further research is needed to substantiate these early results, the initial observations suggest that cognitive remediation may offer a promising treatment avenue for patients with persistent ECT‑related cognitive complaints.