Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Individual Narratives of Stimulation (ECT and TMS)

This study is about understanding what it's like for people who have received two different brain stimulation treatments for severe depression: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Both treatments help by sending signals to the brain. ECT requires a general anaesthetic, while TMS doesn't. We are speaking to a small group of people in Nottingham and Liverpool who have had both types of treatment at different times. We want them to share their personal stories and experiences in their own words. This will help us learn how these treatments fit into their journey with depression and how we can make services better for others in the future.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

01 Nov 2026

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2027

Major Depression

What is this study about?

This study looks at the experiences of people who have been treated for severe depression using two different types of brain stimulation: electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Both treatments aim to help depression by gently stimulating the brain, but they work in different ways.

ECT is a powerful treatment often used for very severe depression, especially when other treatments haven't worked. It involves having a brief electrical current passed through the brain while you are asleep under a general anaesthetic. TMS, on the other hand, uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain while you are awake. After a TMS session, you can usually go home straight away. While TMS can be a good option for some, it might not be as quick or effective as ECT for everyone, and it's not as widely available across the UK.

We are interested in hearing from a small number of people in Nottingham and Liverpool who have experienced both ECT and TMS for their depression at different times. We want to understand what these treatments were like for them, in their own words. By listening to their personal stories, we hope to learn how these treatments fit into their recovery journey. This information will help us improve how these treatments are offered, support people better when they are deciding on treatment, and help healthcare professionals understand what it's truly like to receive these therapies.

Key takeaways

This study explores personal experiences of two depression treatments: ECT and TMS.
It's for people who have received both treatments for severe depression.
The aim is to understand individual stories to improve future care.
Participation involves four in-depth conversations about your experiences.
Your story will help healthcare professionals understand treatment journeys better.
Recruitment is happening in Nottingham and Liverpool.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older. To take part, you must have received both ECT and TMS for your depression at different points in your life. You also need to be able to have a good conversation in English.

It's important that you feel well enough and comfortable sharing your past experiences, which might sometimes bring up difficult memories. We also need to be sure you understand what you're agreeing to by taking part.

You won't be able to take part if the study team feels that sharing these past experiences right now might cause you too much upset or distress. Your well-being is our top priority.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you previously had both ECT and TMS for depression?
Can you comfortably have a conversation in English?
Do you feel well enough and prepared to share your past experiences?
Do you understand what taking part in the study involves?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your involvement will be spread across four sessions. Firstly, we'll have a chat to create a timeline of your depression and the treatments you've received. Then, there will be two in-depth interview sessions where you can openly share your stories and experiences of ECT and TMS in your own words. Finally, we'll meet for a follow-up discussion. In this last session, we'll share how we've understood and put together your story from the interviews, and you'll have a chance to tell us if it feels right to you. All interviews will be arranged at times and locations convenient for you, and the total time commitment will be over several weeks or months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study offers you a chance to share your unique story, which can help shape future support and treatments for others with depression. Your experiences will directly inform healthcare professionals and services, helping them to be more understanding and patient-focused. However, discussing past treatment for depression, especially complex ones like ECT and TMS, might bring back difficult or distressing memories. We will do our best to make sure you feel supported, and you are always free to stop participating at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (2)

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom
University of Nottingham
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is ECT and TMS?

ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) and TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) are both treatments for severe depression that use gentle stimulation of the brain to help improve symptoms.

Do I have to choose between ECT and TMS for this study?

No, this study is for people who have already had both ECT and TMS treatments for depression at different times in their lives.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll have four meetings in total: one to map out your treatment history, two in-depth interviews to share your story, and a final meeting to review how your story has been captured.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, everything you share will be kept confidential, meaning your personal details will be protected and not linked to your story when results are shared.

Who is running this study?

This study is being conducted by researchers in Nottingham and Liverpool, including someone who has personal experience with these treatments.

How to find out more

Sarah Research Assistant (Nottingham)

sarah.ottahal@nottingham.ac.uk +44 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.