Identifying biomarkers for predicting response to electroconvulsive therapy in severe depression

Detection of Multimodal Biomarkers of Electroconvulsive Therapie in Severe and Treatment-resistent Depression

Observational Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry · NCT05463562

This study is trying to find biological markers that can help predict how well electroconvulsive therapy will work for adults with severe depression.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment134 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMax-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry Academic / other
Locations1 site (Munich, Bavaria)
Trial IDNCT05463562 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the biological and psychological factors that influence the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with severe or treatment-resistant depression. It will recruit 134 adult inpatients at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry who are undergoing ECT, collecting data through weekly psychometric assessments and blood samples before and after ECT sessions. The study will analyze various omics, physiological, neurocognitive, and psychometric measurements to identify potential biomarkers that could predict treatment response. The overall goal is to enhance understanding of ECT's mechanisms and improve individualized treatment approaches.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of severe depressive episodes or bipolar disorder who are scheduled to receive ECT.

Not a fit: Patients under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with certain neurological or severe health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better prediction of treatment responses to ECT, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with severe depression.

How similar studies have performed: While ECT is a well-established treatment, this study's focus on identifying biomarkers for predicting response is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years (of legal age, legally competent) and desire to participate
* Diagnosis of a depressive episode (also in the case of bipolar affective disorder) or depression according to the ICD-10 or ICD-11 or DSM-4 or DSM-5
* Indication and planned electroconvulsive therapy
* Signed Electroconvulsive Therapy Informed Consent Form
* Consent to participate by personally signing the declaration of consent including data protection concept and data use for the DetECT study
* Consent and participation in MPI of Psychiatry's biobanking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18 years (minor)
* Pregnancy and breastfeeding
* Existence of legal supervision
* Pervasive developmental disorders and/or intellectual disability
* Acute, relevant substance abuse of alcohol, over-the-counter and prescription drugs, or illicit drugs
* Severe neurological disease (especially severe organic brain damage)
* Acute, serious general illness (especially clinically relevant, aplastic and/or anemia requiring transfusion)

Where this trial is running

Munich, Bavaria

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.
Conditions Depressive DisorderBipolar Disorderelectroconvulsive therapybiomarkersgeneticsdepressionpredictionmolecular neuroscience
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.