Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 4 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Finding the best electrical pulse for electroconvulsive therapy in depression

Official title: Optimal Electrical Stimulus During Electroconvulsive Therapy for Depression: a National Register-based Randomized Trial

Run by Region Örebro County · NCT04057378 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether a longer electrical pulse during electroconvulsive therapy can help people with depression feel better while causing fewer memory problems.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment800 (estimated)
SponsorRegion Örebro County
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Örebro)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 30, 2019
Main results expectedNovember 15, 2025
Study endsNovember 15, 2027
Registry record updatedJune 22, 2025
Trial IDNCT04057378 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with unipolar or bipolar depressive episodes who are indicated for ECT.

Probably not a fit

Patients who do not meet the diagnostic criteria for depression or those for whom the pulse width is deemed inappropriate by the investigator may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to identify the optimal electrical pulse width during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. It compares two pulse widths, 0.5 ms and 1.0 ms, to determine which one results in better antidepressant effects while minimizing memory disturbances. The study is a national, register-based randomized trial with 800 participants, divided into two treatment arms, and evaluates various outcomes including remission rates and self-rated health. The primary objective is to see if the 1.0 ms pulse width leads to a higher remission rate compared to the 0.5 ms pulse width within one week after treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy while reducing memory side effects for patients with severe depression.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on ECT, this specific comparison of pulse widths is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 18 years old at the time of inclusion
* Fulfilled diagnostic criteria for unipolar, or bipolar depressive episode according to ICD-10.
* Has indication for and accepts ECT
* Has a Swedish personal identity number
* Capable of giving informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• If the investigator judges a certain pulse width to be inappropriate for the patient.

Where it's running

  • University hospital Örebro
    Örebro, Sweden
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.