The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to address which treatment strategy (continue right unilateral (RUL) ECT or switch to bitemporal (BT) ECT speeds up recovery and has the least impact on memory function, in case of early non-response during an acute course of ECT for difficult-to-treat depression. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Assess the antidepressant efficacy and cognitive impact of the continuation of an ongoing treatment with RUL ECT compared to switching the treatment technique to BT ECT, in patients failing to show an early response to an acute course of ECT for major depression; * Assess group and subject-specific trajectories of depressive symptom severity and neurocognitive performance during the acute ECT course and up to 3 months post-treatment. Participants treated with ECT for depression, showing no 'response' (≥50 percent decrease in depressive symptom severity compared to baseline) after 4 treatment sessions, will be randomized to either switch to BT ECT or continue with RUL ECT. Mood and neurocognitive assessments will be performed at baseline, after 4 ECT sessions (before randomization), after 8 ECT sessions, at the end of the acute course and 3 month after the acute course.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Change form baseline Depressive Symptom Severity
Timeframe: after 4 ECT sessions (2 weeks)
Change form baseline Depressive Symptom Severity
Timeframe: after 8 ECT sessions (4 weeks)
Depressive Symptom Severity
Timeframe: at the end of acute ECT course (up to 7 weeks)
Depressive Symptom Severity
Timeframe: 3 months post-acute course
Autobiographical Memory
Timeframe: after 4 ECT sessions (2 weeks)
Autobiographical Memory
Timeframe: after 8 ECT sessions (4 weeks)
Autobiographical Memory
Timeframe: at the end of acute ECT course (up to 7 weeks)
Autobiographical Memory
Timeframe: 3 months post-acute course