EEG Characteristics in ECT

A Randomized Pilot Study Examining DCEEG Characteristics in Ketamine Versus Methohexital Induction in Depressed Patients Receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy

The investigators will be examining slow-wave characteristics in depressed patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) using direct current electroencephalogram (dcEEG) by anesthesia induction agent.

This is a pilot project using dcEEG to look at infra-slow waves in depressed patients receiving ECT randomized to ketamine or methohexital where ketamine suppresses infra-slow waves. The rationale for this project is to identify biomarkers of treatment adequacy in ECT, which could lead to decreased morbidity and mortality with the procedure and lessen the burden of depression in our patient population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 will confirm diagnosis of MDD or BPD-depressed (with or without psychotic features
• The clinical indications for ECT including treatment resistance or a need for a rapid and definitive response;
• Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 24-item (HDRS-24) > 21; and
• Age range between 18 and 65 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Defined neurological or neurodegenerative disorder (e.g., history of head injury with loss of consciousness > 5 minutes, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease);
• Other psychiatric conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder)
• Current drug or alcohol use disorder, except for nicotine and marijuana
• Adults unable to consent, pregnant women, prisoner
• Non-English speakers
• Patients that cannot tolerate Methohexital and Ketamine.