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.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for DEPRESSION - MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

catatonia major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Pennsylvania Hospital

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19146, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••