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Procedure

ECT Methods for Depression

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Chris Abbott, MD
Research Sponsored by University of New Mexico
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Diagnosis of major depressive disorder or bipolar II
Clinical indications for ECT with right unilateral electrode placement
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 4 weeks
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will compare two types of electrical therapy for older depressed patients. The goal is to see which type is better for improving mood and cognitive function. The trial will have 50 participants, with

Who is the study for?
This trial is for older adults with major depressive disorder or bipolar II who need ECT treatment. Participants should be suitable for right unilateral electrode placement. It's not specified, but typically those with certain health conditions or incompatible treatments would be excluded.
What is being tested?
The study is testing if adjusting the electric current (amplitude) during ECT can improve depression and cognitive outcomes compared to a fixed amplitude of 800 mA. Half of the participants will receive individualized amplitude adjustments, while the other half will get the standard fixed level.
What are the potential side effects?
While side effects are not detailed here, common ones associated with ECT include confusion immediately after treatment, memory loss, physical side effects like headaches or muscle aches, and in rare cases more serious complications.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I have been diagnosed with major depression or bipolar II.
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I am recommended to undergo ECT with electrodes placed on the right side of my head.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~4 weeks
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 4 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Delis Kaplan Executive Function System Letter Fluency
Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - Clinician Rated

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Variable amplitudeExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Individualized amplitude
Group II: Fixed amplitudeActive Control1 Intervention
Fixed (800 milliamperes) amplitude

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)NIH
2,918 Previous Clinical Trials
2,740,122 Total Patients Enrolled
701 Trials studying Depression
261,058 Patients Enrolled for Depression
University of New MexicoLead Sponsor
386 Previous Clinical Trials
3,526,029 Total Patients Enrolled
15 Trials studying Depression
2,664 Patients Enrolled for Depression
Chris Abbott, MDPrincipal InvestigatorUniversity of New Mexico
1 Previous Clinical Trials
62 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Depression
62 Patients Enrolled for Depression
~25 spots leftby Jan 2026
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