Continuation Electroconvulsive Therapy Vs Medication to Prevent Relapses in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder

Completed · Phase 4

Conditions studied: Major Depressive Disorder

In brief

The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and effectiveness of two treatments to prevent relapses in seriously ill patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have responded to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Patients will either continue to receive ECT (continuation electroconvulsive therapy \[C-ECT\]), or they will be treated with antidepressant medications. ECT is a highly effective treatment for MDD; however, relapses are a major concern. To prevent relapse in patients who have responded to ECT, the common treatment is antidepressants as continuation therapy (following the initial therapy in order to continue treating the disorder). Relapses, however, can still occur even after antidepressant continuation therapy. This study will evaluate a potent antidepressant combination in order to prevent relapse. C-ECT is another option that needs to be tested. If the patient responds to the first round of ECT, he/she will be assigned randomly (like tossing a coin) to either continue receiving ECT or to receive an antidepressant combination of nortriptyline plus lithium (NOR-Li) for 6 months. The patient will have psychological tests before, shortly after, and 3 months after the first round of ECT, and at the end of the 6-month continuation trial. Patients will be monitored for symptoms and side effects. All patients will have urine tests to test for drug abuse. An individual may be eligible for this study if he/she: Has major depressive disorder and responds positively to ECT treatment and is 18 to 80 years old.

Key facts

Study ID
NCT00000375
Run by
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Starts
1997-02-01
Last updated by the study team
2005-12-20

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 80. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Where it is running

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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