Double-blind, randomised, parallel pilot study (n≈31) comparing ketamine (1–2 mg/kg IV) versus methohexital (0.5–1 mg/kg IV) anesthesia during ECT for depressive episodes to assess speed of remission and cognitive side effects.
This double-blind randomised controlled pilot compares therapeutic efficacy and cognitive side effects of ECT performed with ketamine versus methohexital anaesthesia in patients with major depressive episodes (unipolar and bipolar).
Participants receive a standard acute course of bifrontal ECT (3x/week) with ketamine 1–2 mg/kg IV or methohexital 0.5–1 mg/kg IV; MRI (structural and functional) is collected at baseline, <36 hours after first ECT, and after nine ECTs or at remission to assess neurobiological changes.
Ketamine anaesthesia during ECT; IV 1–2 mg/kg
IV ketamine 1–2 mg/kg as anaesthetic for ECT
Methohexital anaesthesia during ECT; IV 0.5–1 mg/kg
Methohexital 0.5–1 mg/kg IV (Brevatol) as active comparator