Magnetic seizures: a new hope for depression without the memory fog?

NCT ID NCT03191058

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant endogenous depression major depressive disorder Suicidal Ideation

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSION TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION UNIPOLAR DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1H4, Canada
University of California San Diego

San Diego, California, 92127, United States
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Dallas, Texas, 75390-9127, United States

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