Ketamine augmentation of ECT to improve outcomes in depression

This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=180) investigated the potential benefits of ketamine augmentation during electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) to improve outcomes in depression (MDD).

Conducted by the Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust, the study aimed to determine whether ketamine, administered alongside ECT, could reduce ECT-induced cognitive impairments, specifically in areas such as anterograde verbal memory, autobiographical memory, and verbal fluency.

The trial included adult participants (18-64 years) with a current DSM-IV diagnosis of a major depressive episode, and the primary end points were changes in memory measured by various neuropsychological tests. The trial, with the EudraCT Number 2011-005476-41 and Protocol Code MMHSCT1096, was authorised by the UK MHRA and received a favourable ethics committee opinion on January 25, 2012. It concluded on September 30, 2015.

Results can be found here.

Topic Depression
Compound Ketamine Placebo
Country United Kingdom
Visit trial
Status Completed
Results Published Yes
Start date 25 January 2012
End date 30 September 2015
Phase Phase IV
Design Blinded
Type Interventional
Generation First
Participants 180
Sex All
Age 18- 64
Therapy Yes

Trial Details

This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=180) conducted by the Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust investigated the effects of ketamine augmentation during electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) for depression. The study aimed to assess if ketamine could reduce ECT-induced cognitive impairments, focusing on memory. Adults (18-64 years) with a major depressive episode participated.

NCT Number 2011-005476-41

Data attribution

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