Playing music during ECT to reduce agitation afterward

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares peri-procedural recorded music played to patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy with a control condition of headphones without music. Participants who meet inclusion criteria receive ECT under etomidate and are assigned to either the music or silent-headphone condition during the intervention and immediate recovery period. The main outcome is the incidence and severity of postictal agitation, with secondary interest in whether reduced agitation corresponds to less post-treatment cognitive impairment. The rationale is that music has lowered preoperative anxiety and sedative needs in other hospital settings, and a simple, low-risk music intervention could be an easy preventive option if effective.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing ECT treatment for depression (including depression as part of bipolar disorder)
* Adult patients (≥18 years)
* Hypnotic agent used is etomidate
* Sufficient understanding of the Dutch language (in judgement of the attending physician or researcher)
* Written informed consent by patient or legal representative

Exclusion Criteria:

* Significant impaired hearing (defined as unable to communicate verbally or listen to music)
* Severe neurological condition (defined as interfering with the ability to process music)
* Patients receiving ECT for treatment of schizophrenic disorders

Where it's running

• Erasmus Medical Center
  Rotterdam, Netherlands Recruiting
• Antes Parnassia Group
  Rotterdam, Netherlands Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Markus Klimek, MD, PhD — Erasmus Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Emy S van der Valk Bouman, MD
• Email: e.vandervalkbouman@erasmusmc.nl
• Phone: +31107033357

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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.