Continuation Electroconvulsive Therapy Vs Medication to Prevent Relapses in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
1969-12-31
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
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.