Investigating Functional Changes in the Frontotemporal Cortex of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Following Electroconvulsive Therapy or Magnetic Seizure Therapy Using Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)
Recruiting · NCT07533773 · Interventional (participants receive a specific treatment) · Lead sponsor: The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University
View the official record on ClinicalTrials.gov →Interventions studied
What this trial is about
Against the clinical backdrop of the growing global burden of neuropsychiatric disorders, the rapid rise in depression prevalence, and the frequent association of these conditions with cognitive impairment, this study highlights the limitations of current cognitive assessment tools-such as their time-consuming nature and lack of specificity-and underscores the urgent need to develop simple and efficient assessment methods. In terms of treatment, modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and magnetic seizure therapy (MST) are rapidly acting neuromodulation therapies; however, their effects on cognitive function and underlying brain mechanisms remain controversial, and there is a lack of direct comparative studies. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology can non-invasively monitor changes in cerebral hemodynamics, providing a powerful tool for assessing brain function before and after treatment. Therefore, this study aims to combine resting-state and task-based fNIRS with multidimensional cognitive and emotional assessments to systematically compare the effects of ECT and MST on frontal-temporal cerebral hemodynamics. We seek to clarify the differences in brain function regulation between the two treatment modalities and their association with improvements in cognition and mood, with the goal of providing scientific evidence to elucidate the brain mechanisms underlying neurostimulation therapies and optimize individualized treatment plans.
Who can take part
Inclusion criteria
- A depressive episode diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), confirmed by two psychiatrists;
- Meets the treatment criteria for ECT or MST;
- At least 5 years of education, with no significant hearing or visual impairments;
- Voluntary participation in this study, with a signed written informed consent form, and willingness to cooperate with the collection of general demographic information, neuropsychological testing, and fNIRS resting-state and task-based data acquisition.
Exclusion criteria
- Co-occurring mental disorders (such as substance use disorders or schizoaffective disorder);
- Severe physical illness;
- History of neurological disorders (such as traumatic brain injury or dementia);
- Low educational attainment;
- Receipt of ECT or MST treatment within the past six months.
Where it is running
1 location listed.
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University - Hefei, Anhui, China