The use of Ketamine as an anaesthetic during electroconvulsive therapy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The use of Ketamine as an anaesthetic during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression: does it improve treatment outcome?
IRAS ID
63437
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Eudract number
2011-000396-14
ISRCTN Number
N/A
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Research summary
This study will investigate the impact of using an alternative anaesthetic, Ketamine, in the course of ECT treatment. We hypothesise that it will protect against memory impairment and accelerate treatment response. Ketamine has long been licensed for use in anaesthesia, and has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in this setting - but it is rarely used and the potential impact on memory factors and outcome following ECT has not been systematically evaluated to date. Ketamine has antidepressant properties (these have only recently been established in patients), and, on the basis of animal studies, may reduce cognitive dysfunction induced by seizures. Should our hypothesis prove correct, a simple change in anaesthetic choice, at no additional cost to the NHS, could significantly improve outcomes and acceptability of treatment across the UK and beyond.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
11/AL/0221
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jun 2011
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion