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Could a common blood pressure pill stop ECT-related delirium?

NCT ID NCT04828226

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether giving clonidine, a blood pressure medication, before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) could reduce the confusion and agitation that often follows the procedure. ECT is effective for severe depression and bipolar disorder, but up to 65% of patients experience post-treatment delirium. The trial involved 130 adults scheduled for ECT, comparing clonidine to a placebo. The goal was to see if clonidine could make ECT safer and more accessible.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Clonidine
What this could lead to
If it works, this could make electroconvulsive therapy safer and more comfortable by reducing post-treatment confusion and agitation.
What could go wrong
This is a small, single-center trial with 130 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Clonidine can cause low blood pressure or slow heart rate.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar disorder catatonia delirium major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BIPOLAR DISORDER CATATONIA DELIRIUM POSTSEIZURE MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern

    Bern, 3010, Switzerland

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