Ketamine-ECT Study

This interventional Phase IV trial (n=160) investigated the impact of ketamine augmentation alongside electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on depression outcomes.

Led by the Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit at the University of Manchester, the study aimed to mitigate ECT’s adverse cognitive effects and enhance mood improvement by adding ketamine to the anaesthetic regimen.

Participants were recruited from five NHS Trusts in Northern England, undergoing randomised allocation to receive ketamine or a placebo during ECT. Memory, cognitive function, and mood were assessed throughout and after treatment, with brain imaging used to explore neural network changes.

The trial, conducted from September 2012 to August 2014, was funded by the NIHR Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation Programme.

Topic Depression
Compound Ketamine Placebo
Country United Kingdom
Visit trial
Status Completed
Results Published No
Start date 01 September 2012
End date 31 August 2014
Phase Phase IV
Design Blinded
Type Interventional
Generation First
Participants 160
Sex All
Age 18-
Therapy Yes

Trial Details

This phase IV trial (n=160) examined the effects of adding ketamine to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression. Led by the University of Manchester, the study aimed to lessen ECT's cognitive impacts and hasten mood improvement. Participants received either ketamine or a placebo during ECT sessions, with assessments conducted throughout and after treatment. The trial, conducted from September 2012 to August 2014, was funded by the NIHR Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation Programme.

NCT Number 2011-005476-41

Sponsors & Collaborators

University of Manchester


Data attribution

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