Evaluating the effects of electroconvulsive therapy on depression

Acute Efficacy and 6 Months Follow up After Electroconvulsive Therapy for Severe or Treatment Resistant Depression - Predictors of Response, Side Effects, and Relapse

Haukeland University Hospital · NCT05388461

This study is testing how electroconvulsive therapy can help people with major depression feel better and what effects it might have on their thinking over six months.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHaukeland University Hospital (other)
Locations2 sites (Bergen and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05388461 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to assess both the immediate and long-term outcomes of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with major depressive disorder. Patients referred for ECT will be enrolled in a research registry after providing written consent. The study will evaluate depressive symptoms and cognitive function through clinician and patient-rated measures, identifying factors that predict response, remission, side effects, and relapse over a six-month period. Additionally, the duration of potential cognitive impairment and predictors of cognitive outcomes will be examined.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with major depression who are receiving ECT at Haukeland University Hospital or Stavanger University Hospital.

Not a fit: Patients receiving ECT for indications other than major depression or those who do not consent to participate will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the efficacy and safety of ECT for treating major depression.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying degrees of success with ECT for depression, but this specific approach of assessing both acute and long-term outcomes in a non-selected cohort is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients treated with ECT for major depression (F31.3-5, F32, F33) at Haukeland University Hospital or Stavanger University Hospital after 2013,
* written consent to enrolment into the Regional Register for neurostimulation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* ECT performed on other indications than major depression.
* No consent to the register.

Where this trial is running

Bergen and 1 other locations

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: Depressive Disorder

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.