Investigation of Putative Biomarkers of Treatment Response to ECT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of multiple putative biomarkers of treatment response to Electroconvulsive therapy
IRAS ID
327530
Contact name
Allan Young
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 2 days
Research summary
This study aims to use machine learning (a type of computer analysis) to predict how well patients respond to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a treatment for mood disorders. We want to identify which factors—such as clinical history, cognitive tests, and lab results—can help predict symptom improvement and side effects. We’ll also compare patients with and without catatonia to understand differences in their responses to ECT, and we’ll assess the benefits of continuing medication after treatment.
While ECT is effective, it's expensive and often misunderstood. Currently, we can't personalize the treatment or predict how each patient will respond. By combining health information, we hope to better understand who benefits most from ECT and how it works.
Patients with mood disorders will receive 12 ECT treatments over 6 weeks. We will assess them using various tests before treatment, during treatment, shortly after finishing treatment, and again 8-12 weeks later. The study will last about 4-5 months.
- Blood Samples: Participants will provide about 30 ml of blood to study proteins, hormones, and other markers that may predict ECT response.
- Saliva Samples: Participants will give saliva samples at six points during one day to measure cortisol (a stress hormone).
- Medical Records**: We’ll review post-treatment records to study the benefits of continuing medication after ECT.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0491
Date of REC Opinion
26 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion