Comparing cost-effectiveness and side effects of ECT and antidepressants for major depression
Prospective Assessment of Cost-effectiveness and Side-effects of Depressive Patients Treated With ECT or TCA
This study is trying to see if Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a better option than antidepressants for treating major depression in adults, by comparing costs, side effects, and how well each treatment works over a year.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 220 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Radboud University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Amsterdam and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05306184 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational cohort study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) compared to traditional antidepressant medication in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in the Netherlands. It will involve 220 adult patients, with half receiving ECT and the other half receiving antidepressants, followed over a year to evaluate remission rates, side effects, quality of life, and cognitive functioning. The study seeks to provide real-world data to help patients and clinicians make informed treatment decisions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with major depressive disorder who have not responded to at least one adequate trial of antidepressants.
Not a fit: Patients with a lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia, current substance abuse disorders, or significant medical conditions that impede participation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the most effective and cost-efficient treatment options for patients with major depressive disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the effectiveness of ECT and antidepressants, but this study aims to provide novel real-world cost-effectiveness data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adult patients (\>18 years) with a major depressive disorder who will either start with ECT or medication * failed response to at least 1 adequate dose-duration trial with antidepressants * moderate or severe depression (HDRS-17 \>16) Exclusion Criteria: * lifetime diagnosis schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, current substance abuse disorder, organic brain syndrome * the presence of a concurrent significant medical condition impeding the ability to participate
Where this trial is running
Amsterdam and 1 other locations
- GGz inGeest — Amsterdam, Netherlands (Recruiting)
- RadboudUMC — Nijmegen, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Philip van Eijndhoven, PhD, MD — Radboud University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Philip van Eijndhoven, PhD, MD
- Email: philip.vaneijndhoven@radboudumc.nl
- Phone: 243611111
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.