Effectiveness of MST Versus ECT for Major Depressive Episode

Participants will be randomly allocated to either the ECT or MST group. Each center aims to recruit 30 participants for each group, using block randomization, resulting in a total of 30 participants per group. The trial comprises a 12-session intervention phase of ECT/MST, spanning approximately 4 weeks, followed by a 12-week observation period. For the first three treatment sessions, participants will receive consecutive sessions. Subsequently, there will be a one-day interval between sessions 4 to 6, a two-day interval between sessions 7 to 9, and a three-day interval between sessions 10 to 12, ensuring completion within a month. Following treatment completion, participants will undergo follow-up clinical observations every four weeks for 12 weeks. EEG and ECG recordings will be obtained at baseline, post-session 3, 6, 9, 12 (3 hours after each session), and at the 12-week follow-up. All evaluations will be conducted under standardized conditions throughout the sessions.

Inclusion criteria

• Participants must meet the diagnostic criteria for MDD as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
• Participants must have a baseline score of 18 or higher on the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-24).
• During the trial's treatment period, participants must be using a single antidepressant medication at a stable dose.
• Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 65 years.
• Informed consent from both parents and legal guardians is required.

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals with current or history of organic brain disorders or neurological disorders will be excluded from the study.
• Participants with a Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) score of less than 70 will be excluded.
• Individuals currently taking antiepileptic drugs, benzodiazepines, or other medications that may affect seizure activity will be excluded from the study.
• Those with exposure to ECT, modified ECT, MST, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), or other neurostimulation treatments in last 6 months will be excluded.
• Individuals with cochlear implants, cardiac pacemakers, implanted devices, or metal in the brain will be excluded from participation.
• Pregnant or lactating individuals will be excluded from the study.
• Individuals currently participating in another concurrent clinical trial will not be eligible for inclusion.
• Participants who refuse to provide informed consent to participate in the trial will be excluded.
• Other circumstances deemed unsuitable for participation by researchers will result in exclusion.