Improving ECT to Reduce Memory Loss in Depression Treatment
Enhanced Spatial Targeting in ECT Utilizing Focally Electrically-administered Seizure Therapy (FEAST)
NA · University of Minnesota · NCT04099342
This study is testing a new way to use electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for people with severe depression to see if it can help their mood while reducing memory loss.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 22 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT04099342 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research aims to enhance the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treatment-resistant depression by refining electrode placement to better target the prefrontal cortex, potentially minimizing memory loss associated with traditional ECT methods. The study will enroll twenty patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, who will receive a series of ECT treatments using a specialized device that adjusts current flow and electrode positioning. Participants will be monitored closely, with assessments including brain MRIs and EEGs to ensure safety and efficacy throughout the treatment process.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not responded to standard treatments and are eligible for ECT.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of schizophrenia, rapid cycling bipolar disorder, or other specified neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide patients with effective depression relief while significantly reducing the risk of memory loss.
How similar studies have performed: While traditional ECT has been widely studied, this specific approach utilizing refined electrode targeting is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of major depressive disorder using MINI-7 to derive RDC; DSM-IV * Pretreatment HRSD score greater than or equal to 18 * ECT indicated by physician evaluation * Willing and capable of providing informed consent as determined by physician evaluation Exclusion Criteria: * History of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, other functional psychosis, or rapid cycling bipolar disorder as determined by MINI-7; rapid cycling defined as greater than or equal to four episodes in past year * History of neurological illness or insult other than conditions associated with psychotropic exposure (e.g., tardive dyskinesia) determined by physician evaluation and medical history * Alcohol or substance abuse or dependence in the past year (RDC) determined by physician evaluation * Secondary diagnosis of a delirium, dementia, or amnestic disorder (DSM-IV), pregnancy, or epilepsy determined by physician evaluation * Requires especially rapid antidepressant response due to suicidality, psychosis, inanition, psychosocial obligations, etc. determined by physician evaluation * ECT in the past six months determined by physician evaluation and medical history * Pregnancy as determined by urine pregnancy test and clinical interview
Where this trial is running
Minneapolis, Minnesota
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ziad Nahas, MD — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Ziad Nahas, MD
- Email: znahas@umn.edu
- Phone: 952-525-4505
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.
Conditions: Treatment Resistant Depression