ECT vs. Ketamine for Depression
(REaKT-SD Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial compares two treatments for patients with severe depression who are at risk of suicide. One treatment uses electric currents to change brain activity, while the other uses a low dose of a fast-acting drug. The goal is to find out which treatment works better for rapid relief. The drug has recently emerged as a fast-acting alternative for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
Is it safe to use ECT and ketamine for depression?
How is the treatment of ECT combined with ketamine different from other depression treatments?
The combination of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with subanesthetic doses of ketamine is unique because it may enhance the rapid antidepressant effects of ECT, potentially improving response rates in treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine is administered intravenously and is known for its quick action, which is different from traditional antidepressants that often take weeks to show effects.23467
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug ketamine for depression?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Amit Anand, MD
Principal Investigator
Brigham and Woman's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 18-90 with acute suicidal depression who are candidates for ECT treatment. Participants must show ongoing suicidal thoughts and meet criteria for a major depressive episode, but not have schizophrenia or severe cognitive impairment. Pregnant individuals, those unable to consent, or with certain medical conditions like uncontrolled illness or ketamine allergy cannot join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either ECT 3 times a week for 4 weeks or subanesthetic dose intravenous ketamine
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Subanesthetic dose intravenous ketamine (KET)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Lead Sponsor
The Cleveland Clinic
Collaborator
Baylor College of Medicine
Collaborator
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Collaborator
University of Arizona
Collaborator
The Center for Addiction and Mental Health (University of Toronto)
Collaborator
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Collaborator
University of Toronto
Collaborator
Washington University School of Medicine
Collaborator
Johns Hopkins University
Collaborator