Adolescents with depression respond to magnetic seizure therapy faster than adults do—and without the cognitive side effects that adults experience, according to a study in BMC Psychiatry.Why It’s Relevant
Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) is a promising—though still investigational—alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), with data showing that it offers comparable benefits to ECT along with fewer cognitive side effects.
However, the evidence for MST in adolescents remains limited. To address this gap and allow for direct comparisons between different age groups, this study included 67 adolescents (ages 12 to 18) and 61 adults (19 to 65) with treatment-resistant depression.
By the Numbers
- Patients received treatment three times per week until they experienced symptom relief or declined further treatment. They were followed up 72 hours after treatment and again at three months.
- At 72-hour follow-up, adolescents had significantly lower scores on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) than adults: 13.8 versus 18.6, respectively. At three months, adults had similar HAM-D scores as adolescents.
- Adolescents also had less short-term cognitive impairment than adults, as assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, particularly in the areas of delayed recall and executive function. Cognitive scores returned to baseline in both groups at three months.
- Adults did exhibit greater long-term improvement in suicidal ideation than adolescents.
The Other Side
The research was conducted at only one center, which limits generalizability. Also, because of ethical concerns, there was no control or placebo group. The follow-up period was relatively short, which restricts the evaluation of long-term efficacy and delayed cognitive effects.
Takeaway Message
“[The] age-related variation in treatment response may stem from neurobiological differences, such as the relative immaturity of the adolescent prefrontal cortex, which could confer greater sensitivity to [magnetic seizure therapy]-induced neuroplastic changes,” the researchers wrote. “Such rapid symptom relief in adolescents … may enhance overall treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.”
Related Information
Source
Mengqi Wang, et. al. Magnetic seizure therapy for major depressive disorder: age-related differences in efficacy and cognitive side effects. BMC Psychiatry. Published January 8, 2026. doi: 10.1186/s12888-025-07573-x
(Image: Getty Images/iStock/Giuseppe Lombardo)
