Examining the mode of action of ECT through neuroimaging, v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Examining the mode of action of ECT through neuroimaging of microstructural, glial morphological and functional connectivity changes.
IRAS ID
307184
Contact name
Neil Harrison
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for severe or treatment resistant depression, with remission rates of over 50%. It involves passing an electric current through the head to induce a controlled seizure. It is given under general anaesthesia. The changes that ECT causes in the brain, that are responsible for its therapeutic effect, are not yet fully understood. These changes may correlate to clinical improvement.
This pilot study aims to establish the therapeutic changes in the brain caused by ECT using different settings of MRI imaging. We aim to examine any changes in structure and connectivity between different areas of the brain and whether these correspond to clinical improvement. Secondarily, the pilot study also aims to establish the feasibility of recruitment and the imaging parameters of a future multi-centre study. Within this context, the study aims to assess what changes in functional connectivity after ECT correlate with clinical improvement, whether these changes are similar between patients and what are the differences from changes caused by the seizures themselves, that have nothing to do with clinical improvement. Results from this study will be important in identifying which changes in connectivity are associated with achieving remission and can aid in individualising different treatments.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SW/0129
Date of REC Opinion
9 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion