Electroconvulsive Therapy for Cognitive Impairment
(LTP-DUCIECT Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial uses electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to study how the brain's memory and thinking processes recover after disruption. ECT, often used to treat severe depression, can cause temporary memory and thinking issues, making it useful for observing brain recovery. Researchers will use a non-invasive method called EEG to track brain activity, focusing on visual signals to understand changes in memory-related brain processes. This study could lead to better treatments for memory and thinking problems related to brain injuries. The trial seeks participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder or bipolar 2 disorder who are already undergoing ECT treatment. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research aims to understand how ECT affects brain recovery, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking insights.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
You can continue taking your antidepressant medications as needed during the trial. Medications for anxiety and insomnia are also allowed if necessary.
What prior data suggests that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is safe for studying brain recovery?
Research has shown that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is generally safe for treating severe depression, especially when other treatments have failed. Studies have found that ECT can sometimes be more effective than medication. Although ECT works well, it can cause temporary memory and thinking problems, which usually improve over time.
ECT has undergone thorough study and is often used in medical settings, making it a safe treatment option compared to others. However, like any medical procedure, it carries some risks. Discussing potential benefits and drawbacks with medical professionals is important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how long-term potentiation disruption might contribute to cognitive impairment in patients undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for depression. Unlike standard depression treatments such as antidepressant medications or psychotherapy, this approach focuses on understanding the neurobiological changes associated with ECT. By identifying potential cognitive impacts linked to ECT, the trial aims to improve patient outcomes and optimize therapeutic protocols, potentially leading to more effective and safer use of ECT in treating severe depression.
What evidence suggests that electroconvulsive therapy is effective for studying long-term potentiation?
Research has shown that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which participants in this trial will undergo, effectively treats severe depression, though it can temporarily affect memory and thinking. Studies indicate that while ECT may cause short-term memory problems, these usually improve or stabilize within six months. ECT has also greatly reduced symptoms of depression and enhanced quality of life compared to other treatments. Although primarily used for depression, understanding how ECT impacts memory and thinking can offer insights into brain recovery. This knowledge could help improve treatments for memory and thinking issues after brain injuries.12467
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-ECT
EEG recordings are taken prior to the initiation of the ECT treatment series
ECT Treatment
Participants undergo a series of ECT treatments while EEG is used to measure brain activity
Post-ECT
EEG recordings are taken immediately following the completion of the ECT series
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in cognitive performance and memory
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Electroconvulsive Therapy
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants undergoing ECT for depressive episode
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of New Mexico
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Collaborator
Citations
Efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy as a potential first- ...
In a naturalistic ECT study, results showed transient impairment in memory and executive function with improvement or stabilizing in the subsequent six months.
Ultrabrief pulse electroconvulsive therapy for depression
30 studies provided data on one or more outcomes. The pooled remission rate (k = 23, n = 1478) was 32.2% (95% CI 26.1%-39.0%) with ultrabrief ...
Electroconvulsive therapy reduces suicidality and all-cause ...
To our knowledge, this represents the first meta-analysis demonstrating a survival benefit for ECT in depressive disorders. Our meta-analysis shows positive ...
Treatment outcomes and cognitive function following ...
Here, ECT led to more pronounced improvements in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and cognitive function than non-ECT treatments.
Clinical Outcomes of Magnetic Seizure Therapy vs ...
Importance Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is highly effective and rapid in treating depression, but it carries a risk of significant cognitive ...
Efficacy and Safety of Ketamine vs Electroconvulsive ...
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 6 trials with 340 patients suggests that ECT may be superior to ketamine in improving depression severity.
Efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy in ...
ECT is an effective short-term treatment for depression, and is probably more effective than drug therapy. Bilateral ECT is moderately more effective than ...
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