New drug vs. brain stimulation: which stops suicidal thoughts faster?

NCT ID NCT06355180

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Capital Medical University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a drug called esketamine works as well as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for quickly reducing suicidal thoughts in people with depression. 340 adults with major depression or bipolar disorder and active suicidal ideas took part. They received either esketamine infusions or ECT sessions over two weeks, and researchers tracked how many achieved remission of suicidal thoughts.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Esketamine (a fast-acting antidepressant drug)
What this could lead to: If esketamine works as well as ECT, it could offer a less invasive, faster option to reduce suicidal thoughts in people with depression.
What could go wrong: This is a completed trial, but results are not yet published. Esketamine may not be as effective as ECT, and it can cause side effects like dissociation or nausea.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar I disorder bipolar II disorder major depressive disorder mood disorder Suicidal Ideation

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSIVE EPISODE MOOD DISORDERS SUICIDAL IDEATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Beijing Anding Hospital

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100088, China
Beijing Chaoyang District Third Hospital

Beijing, China
Beijing Daxing District Xinkang Hospital

Beijing, China
Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Mental Health Center

Hohhot, China
The Second People's Hospital of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

Dali, China
Wuhu Fourth People's Hospital

Wuhu, Anhui, 241002, China

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