Optimizing Stimulation Parameters for Electroconvulsive Therapy (NCT07561307)
Parameter Refinement for ECT Stimulation and Titration Optimization
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The goal of this clinical trial is to improve how electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) stimulation settings are chosen. Researchers will use real-time brain monitoring to measure both seizures and a recently identified brain event called cortical spreading depolarization (CSD). The main questions it aims to answer are: What is the best way to increase ECT stimulation settings? How do different pulse settings affect the brain's response? Can certain settings produce CSD without causing a seizure? Participants already receiving ECT as part of their care will take part. They will be assigned to one of two groups: Index ECT group: Participants starting ECT will receive different standard titration approaches. Maintenance ECT group: Participants receiving ongoing ECT will undergo a brief, low-dose stimulation test before treatment. All participants will be monitored using brain physiology (EEG and blood flow) and symptom scales during treatment.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (1 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (8 items).
Location: Pennsylvania Hospital — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (PROCEDURE)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- They are unwilling or unable to consent first to the SWEET COMBO protocol for optical monitoring during ECT
- Clinically significant psychiatric comorbidity as determined by clinical interview and in the opinion of the Investigator and clinical team would alter the risk/benefit of the study
- History of poor response to ECT treatment in the opinion of the Investigator and clinical team that would alter the risk/benefit of the study
- Presence of any disease, medical condition or physical condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, may compromise, interfere with, limit, affect or reduce the:
- subject's ability to participate safely in the study
- integrity of the data or
- subject's ability to complete the full duration of the study.
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Pennsylvania Hospital — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (973) 897-6511
Email: Zachary.Rosenthal@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
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💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.