Brain scans and blood tests may predict ECT success in severe depression

NCT ID NCT05630469

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Medical University of Vienna Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study is looking for ways to predict which patients with severe depression will respond well to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Researchers will use brain scans, blood tests, and spinal fluid samples from 30 patients before and after ECT. The goal is to find biological markers that can tell doctors ahead of time who is likely to benefit, helping personalize treatment decisions.

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)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors identify which patients with severe depression are most likely to benefit from ECT, making treatment more personalized.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study (30 people) focused on finding markers, not testing a new treatment. The results may not apply to all patients, and no immediate treatment benefit is guaranteed.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, MAJOR

Contacts and locations

Locations

Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna
RECRUITING

Vienna, 1090, Austria

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