Comparing anesthesia methods for electroconvulsive therapy in depressed patients

To Explore the Influence of Different Anesthesia Induction Schemes on the Quality and Clinical Effect of Electroconvulsive Convulsions in Patients With Depression Based on EEG Monitoring

NA · First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University · NCT05900245

This study tests how different levels of anesthesia affect the success of electroconvulsive therapy in people with moderate to severe depression.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorFirst Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (other)
Locations1 site (Chongqing, Chongqing)
Trial IDNCT05900245 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of different levels of consciousness during anesthesia induction on the quality of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with moderate to severe depression. A total of 24 inpatients will be randomly assigned to three groups based on their consciousness index, and their EEG responses will be monitored during the procedure. The study aims to determine how varying anesthesia levels impact seizure duration and overall treatment efficacy. Participants will receive propofol and succinylcholine as part of the anesthesia protocol.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are inpatients aged 18-60 diagnosed with moderate to severe depression according to ICD-11 criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with bipolar disorder, other mental illnesses, or significant physical health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy for patients with depression, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing cognitive side effects.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on ECT and anesthesia, this specific approach focusing on consciousness levels during ECT is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* In-patients who meet the diagnostic criteria of moderate and severe depression in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11)
* Age 18-60 years old, gender unlimited
* Primary school or above education level
* Indications for MECT treatment
* Normal hearing and vision (including color discrimination)
* The patient voluntarily participated in the study and signed the informed consent form, and the guardian also signed the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of physical disease, brain organic disease and abuse of alcohol and psychoactive substances
* Patients with bipolar disorder
* Primary insomnia
* Combined with other mental diseases
* Combined with obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases
* Combined with hypertension, cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease
* Combined with Alzheimer's disease
* Pregnant and lactating women.

Where this trial is running

Chongqing, Chongqing

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Depression, Electroconvulsive Therapy, Electroencephalography, Depression,Electroconvulsive Therapy,Electroencephalography

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.