Ketamine vs. ECT: which stops suicidal thoughts faster?
NCT ID NCT06034821
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares two treatments—electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and intravenous ketamine—for quickly reversing acute suicidal depression in 1,500 adults aged 18 to 90. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either ECT or ketamine twice a week for up to four weeks. The main goal is to see which treatment reduces suicidal thoughts more effectively and safely.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
ketamine (intravenous infusion)
What this could lead to
If this trial succeeds, it could show that ketamine is as good as or better than ECT for quickly stopping suicidal thoughts, offering a less invasive treatment option.
What could go wrong
This is a large Phase 4 study, but it's open-label (no placebo), so results may be biased. Ketamine can cause side effects like dissociation and blood pressure changes, and not everyone may respond.
Disclaimer
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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.
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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Center for Addiction and Mental Health (University of Toronto)
Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1H4, Canada
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Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
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Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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McLean Hospital
Belmont, Massachusetts, 02478, United States
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Mount Sinai School of Medicine
New York, New York, 10029, United States
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UC San Francisco
San Francisco, California, 94143, United States
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UTHealth Houston
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
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University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States