NCT07418463

Effects of Repeated Electroconvulsive Therapy Sessions on Anesthetic Requirements

Effects of Repeated Electroconvulsive Therapy on Anesthetic Requirements: A Prospective Observational Study

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 35 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Izmir City Hospital · Other Government
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for severe depression and other psychiatric disorders. ECT is usually given in several sessions on different days. During each session, patients receive short-acting anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety. This study aims to evaluate whether the amount of anesthetic medication required changes during repeated ECT sessions in the same patient. In addition, the study will examine the relationship between anesthetic dose, seizure duration, seizure quality (measured by postictal suppression index), and recovery time. This is a prospective observational study. All anesthesia and ECT procedures will be performed according to routine clinical practice. No additional intervention will be applied for research purposes.

Detailed description

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a well-established biological treatment for treatment-resistant depression and other affective disorders. Adequate anesthesia is essential to ensure patient safety while maintaining optimal seizure quality and therapeutic efficacy. Short-acting anesthetic agents are commonly used in ECT due to their favorable recovery profiles and hemodynamic stability. Previous studies suggest that anesthetic requirements may change across repeated ECT sessions, potentially influencing seizure duration, seizure quality, and recovery time. However, evidence regarding within-patient changes in anesthetic dose requirements and their relationship with electroencephalographic seizure characteristics remains limited. This prospective observational cohort study aims to evaluate changes in anesthetic requirements during repeated ECT sessions in adult patients. Secondary objectives include examining the association between anesthetic dose, seizure duration (motor and EEG), postictal suppression index (PSI), and recovery time. All ECT and anesthesia procedures will be conducted according to institutional routine clinical protocols. The research team will not interfere with clinical decision-making. Data will be collected from anesthesia records and EEG documentation. Mixed-effects statistical models will be used to account for repeated within-subject measurements.

Conditions

• Electroconvulsive Therapy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)	Electroconvulsive therapy administered as part of routine clinical care. The study does not assign or modify the intervention. Anesthetic management and ECT parameters are determined by treating physicians according to standard institutional protocols.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-15
• Primary completion: 2026-06-15
• Completion: 2026-06-15
• First posted: 2026-02-18
• Last updated: 2026-02-18

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)