Could a common blood pressure pill stop ECT-related delirium?
NCT ID NCT04828226
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern
Bern, 3010, Switzerland