Anesthetic drug shows promise for tough depression in early trial
NCT ID NCT04680910
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This early study tested whether a carefully controlled dose of propofol, a common anesthetic, could safely boost brain slow waves in 16 older adults with treatment-resistant depression. Participants received two propofol infusions days apart while researchers monitored brain activity and safety. The goal was to see if the drug could be given without serious side effects and whether it increased slow-wave activity during sleep, which is often low in depression.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Propofol (an anesthetic drug)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new way to treat depression that doesn't respond to standard medications.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small trial with only 16 people. It mainly checks safety, not whether it actually helps depression. Propofol carries risks like breathing problems and low blood pressure.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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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Washington University School of Medicine/Barnes-Jewish Hospital
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States