Magnetic seizures: a new hope for depression without the memory fog?
NCT ID NCT03191058
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested magnetic seizure therapy (MST) in 239 adults with treatment-resistant depression to see if it works as well as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) but with fewer memory side effects. MST uses magnetic pulses to trigger a controlled seizure, aiming to relieve depression while better preserving autobiographical memory. The trial compared how many patients achieved remission and how many experienced memory worsening.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) device
What this could lead to
If successful, MST could offer a less memory-disrupting alternative to ECT for people with hard-to-treat depression.
What could go wrong
This is a completed trial, but MST is still not widely available, and results may not apply to all depression types. Seizure therapy always carries risks like confusion or memory loss.
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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Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1H4, Canada
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University of California San Diego
San Diego, California, 92127, United States
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University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas, 75390-9127, United States