"Relapse rates after ECT are similar to those in resistant depression treated with antidepressants (37% after six months) and are a function of the illness, rei

"Relapse rates after ECT are similar to those in resistant depression treated with antidepressants (37% after six months) and are a function of the illness, reinforcing need to continue with antidepressants, ECT, or both after a successful acute course of ECT.37 Emerging evidence suggests maintenance ECT to prevent relapse.38" https://www.bmj.com/content/364/bmj.k5233 https://www.bmj.com/content/364/bmj.k5233 This article is arguing ECT as acute treatment for resistant depression. In most, if not all, cases a patient would become eligible for ketamine treatment at the same time if not sooner than ECT. Memory loss directly due to ECT is the reason most people are strongly against using it. Treatment options are based on minimizing risks, not guaranteeing success. Unless ketamine is contraindicated, it will always be a safer treatment than ECT.