Major depression
Conditions
Interventions
ECT + nortriptyline versus ECT + Placebo
Sponsors
Erasmus MC Rotterdam
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: • Diagnosis Major depression according to DSM-IV-TR, established with depression part of the SADS • Baseline HAM-D score ≥ 18 • Indication for treatment with ECT ( insufficient response during 4 weeks treatment with a tricyclic antidepressant with adequateplasmalevel or 4 weeks venlafaxine dosed 225 mg/day or higher) • Age > = 18 • If age ≥ 65 ,first depressive episode before the age of 65. • If age ≥ 65, intact cognitive functioning (MMSE 24) • Informed consent (patient or their legal relatives, in case of in case of incapacity)
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: • Alcohol or drugdependecy during the last 3 months. • Severe neurological disorders. • Endocrinological disorders influencing HPA-axis • The use of antiepileptics. • Bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder or schizophrenia • Contraindication for nortriptyline • Pregnancy or inadequate contraception in fertile women. • Insufficient mastering of Dutch language..
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Mean change in HAM-D score Proportion of responders (≥ 50% reduction of HAM-D score) Proportion of remitters (final HAM-D score 7 or lower) | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Speed of response defined as the number of ECT sessions required for remission. | — |
Contacts
Public ContactE.M. Pluijms
Erasmus MC
Outcome results
None listed