The study protocol of the Norwegian randomized controlled trial of electroconvulsive therapy in treatment resistant depression in bipolar disorder.
BACKGROUND
The treatment of depressive phases of bipolar disorder is challenging. The effects of the commonly used antidepressants in bipolar depression are questionable. Electroconvulsive therapy is generally considered to be the most effective treatment even if there are no randomized controlled trials of electroconvulsive therapy in bipolar depression. The safety of electroconvulsive therapy is well documented, but there are some controversies as to the cognitive side effects. The aim of this study is to compare the effects and side effects of electroconvulsive therapy to pharmacological treatment in treatment resistant bipolar depression. Cognitive changes and quality of life during the treatment will be assessed.


METHODS
A prospective, randomised controlled, multi-centre six- week acute treatment trial with seven clinical assessments. Follow up visit at 26 weeks or until remission (max 52 weeks). A neuropsychological test battery designed to be sensitive to changes in cognitive function will be used.


METHODS
Nine study centres across Norway, all acute psychiatric departments.


METHODS
n = 132 patients, aged 18 and over, who fulfil criteria for treatment resistant depression in bipolar disorder, Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale Score of at least 25 at baseline.


METHODS
INTERVENTION group: 3 sessions per week for up to 6 weeks, total up to 18 sessions.


METHODS
algorithm-based pharmacological treatment as usual.


CONCLUSIONS
This study is the first randomized controlled trial that aims to investigate whether electroconvulsive therapy is better than pharmacological treatment as usual in treatment resistant bipolar depression. Possible long lasting cognitive side effects will be evaluated. The study is investigator initiated, without support from industry.


BACKGROUND
NCT00664976.
Kessler
Ute
U
Moodnet Research Group, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. ute.kessler@helse-bergen.no
Vaaler
Arne E
AE
Schøyen
Helle
H
Oedegaard
Ketil J
KJ
Bergsholm
Per
P
Andreassen
Ole A
OA
Malt
Ulrik F
UF
Morken
Gunnar
G
D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000453:epidemiology; D004351:Drug Resistance; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000175:diagnosis; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011788:Quality of Life; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs