Efficacy & Tolerability of Rigth Unilateral vs. Bitemporal ECT in Schizophrenia in a Psychiatric … (NCT06972745) | Clinical Trial Compass
TerminatedNot Applicable
Efficacy & Tolerability of Rigth Unilateral vs. Bitemporal ECT in Schizophrenia in a Psychiatric Hospital in Mexico
Stopped: Change in operative and administrative functions
Mexico17 participantsStarted 2023-03-16
Plain-language summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an established treatment for medication-resistant schizophrenia. There is debate about the best method of electrode placement. Bitemporal (BT) placement is commonly used for schizophrenia, while right unilateral (RUL) placement in mood disorders is associated with fewer adverse effects on memory and language. This study compares the efficacy, safety and cognitive effects of BT-ECT versus RUL-ECT in hospitalized schizophrenia patients with acute psychosis.
Main Question: Does RUL-ECT reduce psychotic symptoms with fewer cognitive effects versus BT-ECT in patients with severe schizophrenia? Hypothesis: RUL-ECT is as effective as BT-ECT in reducing psychotic symptoms with fewer cognitive effects.
Methods: Randomized trial in patients with schizophrenia (confirmed by DSM 5 criteria) and severe symptoms (PANSS score ≥60). Patients were assigned to receive BT-ECT or RUL-ECT. Efficacy was measured by a ≥30% reduction in symptom severity on the PANSS scale and overall improvement measured with the Clinical Global Impression scale. Cognitive function was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) scales.
Who can participate
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.
Inclusion criteria
. Spanish-speaking.
. any sex/gender.
. Aged ≥18 years.
Exclusion criteria
. Received ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) within the previous 3 months.
. Comorbid affective disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder).
. Catatonia or catatonic syndrome.
. Pregnancy
Questions worth asking your doctor
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.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
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.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.