Individual Narratives of Stimulation (ECT and TMS)

NCT07807930 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 26036
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 12
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are two evidence-based treatments for major depressive disorder. Both work by stimulating the brain (a process known as neuromodulation), but they differ markedly in invasiveness. ECT requires a general anaesthetic, whereas TMS is delivered while a person is awake and alert and they can go home immediately afterwards. TMS has been proposed as an alternative to ECT for some people. However, TMS is not as effective as ECT in all cases, is generally slower acting, and remains less widely available. In Nottingham and Liverpool, there are a small number of individuals who have experienced both ECT and TMS across different episodes of depression. Whilst previous studies have explored experiences of ECT and TMS separately, often using relatively superficial methods, none have examined the perspectives of people who have received both treatments. This study addresses that gap through an in-depth exploration of their experiences. The investigators will use a narrative inquiry approach that encourages participants to tell the story of their experiences of ECT and TMS in their own words. Eligible participants will be adults who have previously received both treatments for depression. Participation involves four sessions: a structured discussion to map the timeline of their depression and treatments, two in-depth open-ended interview sessions (narrative inquiry), and a follow-up discussion about the researchers' reconstruction of their story. Recruitment will take place through services in Nottingham and Liverpool. This study will help to understand how patients relate to, and make sense of, ECT and TMS, which contextual factors shape their experiences, and how these treatments fit into broader recovery journeys. The findings will inform the development of patient-centred services, support shared decision-making, and help healthcare professionals deepen compassionate understanding of treatment experiences.

Conditions

Major Depression

Keywords

Narrative inquiry; Qualitative interviews; Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS); Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT); Lived experience

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Co-created narratives and associated themes

  From enrollment to the completion of the follow-up feedback sesson

Study Arms (1)

People with lived experience of both ECT and TMS for treating major depression

Other: There is no intervention in this observation study (qualitative interviews about past treatment experiences)

Interventions

There is no intervention in this observation study (qualitative interviews about past treatment experiences) OTHER

There is no intervention in this observation study (qualitative interviews about past treatment experiences)

People with lived experience of both ECT and TMS for treating major depression

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adults who have received at least one session of TMS in Nottingham or Liverpool, who have also received at least one session of ECT, both intended to treat an episode of major depression

You may qualify if:

• years or older
• Previously received at least one TMS and one ECT session as treatment for major depression
• Conversational in the English language
• Capacity to give informed consent to take part in this study
• Feels fully informed and well enough to be able to share potentially distressing past experiences

You may not qualify if:

• Participants may be excluded at the judgement of the PI if it is felt that the participant is at high risk of significant emotional distress from taking part in the interviews at this time

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Nottingham: lead
• Mersey Care NHS Trust: collaborator

Study Sites (2)

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

Liverpool, United Kingdom

Location

University of Nottingham

Nottingham, United Kingdom

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Depressive Disorder, Major

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Depressive Disorder; Mood Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Officials

• Paul M Briley

  University of Nottingham

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Jade Thai

  Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Sarah Research Assistant (Nottingham)

CONTACT

+44; sarah.ottahal@nottingham.ac.uk

Peggy Research Assistant (Liverpool)

CONTACT

+44; yue.peng@merseycare.nhs.uk

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE ONLY
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 1, 2026
• First Posted: September 8, 2026
• Study Start (Estimated): November 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): October 31, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): October 31, 2027
• Last Updated: September 30, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

GB (2)