Clinical and Cognitive Outcomes Comparing Right Unilateral Ultrabrief Electroconvulsive Therapy Versus Magnetic Seizure Therapy for Bipolar Depression: The CORRECT-BD Trial.
Daniel M Blumberger, Fidel Vila Rodriguez, Shawn M McClintock et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
The CORRECT-BD trial compared the clinical efficacy and cognitive effects of magnetic seizure therapy (MST) and right unilateral ultrabrief-pulse electroconvulsive therapy (RUL-UB ECT) in patients with bipolar depression. This double-blind, randomized controlled trial involved 55 participants, with remission rates of 30% for ECT and 20% for MST. MST was associated with less cognitive decline.
Key findings
- 30% of participants in the ECT group achieved remission compared to 20% in the MST group.
- 22.2% of ECT participants experienced clinically important worsening in autobiographical memory versus 7.1% in the MST group.
- Secondary clinical outcomes were similar between both treatment groups.
Why it matters
Understanding the cognitive effects of treatments for bipolar depression is crucial, as cognitive side effects can impact patient acceptance and adherence. This study suggests MST may offer a safer alternative with fewer cognitive risks.
What to keep in mind
The study's findings are based on a relatively small sample size, which limits the generalizability of the results.