How Electroconvulsive Therapy Affects Brain Networks and Sleep
Disruptions of Brain Networks and Sleep by Electroconvulsive Therapy
This study is looking at how Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) affects brain activity and sleep patterns in people who have not found relief from their depression, to help us understand how ECT might improve their overall brain function and sleep quality.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10895292 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) on brain networks and sleep patterns in patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression. By using advanced EEG technology, the study aims to understand how ECT influences brain activity during different states, including sleep and wakefulness. The research will focus on the efficiency of information transfer in brain networks and how this relates to sleep slow waves, which are important for brain plasticity. Patients will be monitored over time to assess changes in their cognitive function and sleep structure as they undergo ECT.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing Treatment-Resistant Depression and have not responded to at least two antidepressant medications.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing Treatment-Resistant Depression or those who have not undergone ECT may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and optimization of ECT, potentially enhancing its effectiveness and minimizing cognitive side effects for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While ECT is a well-established treatment, this specific approach focusing on EEG markers during sleep and ECT-induced seizures is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kafashan, Mohammadmehdi — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kafashan, Mohammadmehdi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.