Brain zaps before shock therapy: could TMS make ECT work better?

NCT ID NCT07324070

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Charles University, Czech Republic Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether giving transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) right before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can lower the amount of electricity needed for ECT and speed up its antidepressant effects. Fifty adults with major depression that hasn't responded to other treatments will receive either real or sham TMS before ECT. Researchers will measure seizure threshold, recovery time, and mood improvement.

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 and transcranial magnetic stimulation
What this could lead to: If it works, this could make ECT more efficient and faster-acting for people with hard-to-treat depression.
What could go wrong: This is a small early-phase study (50 people) testing a technical change, not a new treatment. It may not lead to better outcomes or be widely adopted.

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.

Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD) TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION (TRD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

General University Hospital, Psychiatry department
RECRUITING

Prague, Czech, 120 39, Czechia

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