Brain monitoring may sharpen ECT dosing for severe mental illness
NCT ID NCT07561307
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study will test ways to improve how doctors choose electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) stimulation settings for people with severe depression or catatonia. Researchers will use real-time brain monitoring to measure brain activity and blood flow during ECT. The goal is to find the best method to increase stimulation and understand how different pulse settings affect the brain. Sixty-four participants already receiving ECT will be assigned to either a starting or maintenance group.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) - electrical stimulation under anesthesia
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to more personalized and effective ECT dosing, potentially improving treatment outcomes for severe depression and catatonia.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage, small study (64 participants) focused on refining methods, not testing a new treatment. Results may not apply to all patients or settings.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CATATONIA are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Locations
-
Pennsylvania Hospital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19146, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can we predict who returns to work after stress treatment?
- Can a Parent-Targeted program ease Kids' behavior problems when depression is in the picture?
- A Two-Year watch: can brain scans and surveys predict depression and anxiety in teens?
- Can the immune system hold the key to treating resistant mental illness?
- Can a Three-Session therapy rival CBT for Event-Related depression?
- Brain wave patterns and inflammation: a clue to ECT's effectiveness in older adults?