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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Conventional Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression: A Step-by-Step Protocol

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Ascorbic Acid for Major Depressive Disorder Treated With Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Randomized Controlled

Li Zhao¹, Yuxuan Yang¹, Binyang Cai¹

¹Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, China.

Alpha Psychiatry

|July 8, 2026

Summary

This study explores if ascorbic acid (AA) enhances modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) for major depressive disorder. It investigates AA

Keywords:

ascorbic acid drug-related side effects and adverse reactions electroconvulsive therapy major depressive disorder treatment outcome

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Published on: April 10, 2026

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Psychiatry
Clinical Trials

Background:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) presents high prevalence and suicide risk.
Modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) is effective for MDD with acute suicide risk but has adverse effects.
Ascorbic acid (AA) may enhance antidepressant efficacy, but its role in MECT is unproven.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate if ascorbic acid (AA) augments the antidepressant effects of MECT in patients with major depressive disorder.
To evaluate the impact of AA on treatment response, remission rates, psychotic symptoms, cognition, and adverse effects associated with MECT.

Main Methods:

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 240 MDD patients undergoing MECT.
Participants received either intravenous AA (500 mg) or normal saline before each MECT session.
Primary outcome: treatment response rate (≥50% reduction in HAMD-24 score).

Main Results:

The study is designed to provide the first clinical evidence on AA's effects in MDD patients undergoing MECT.
Expected to yield data on treatment response, remission, psychotic symptoms, cognition, and adverse effects.

Conclusions:

Findings may establish AA as a safe and cost-effective strategy to optimize MECT protocols.
Potential to refine MECT-based therapeutic strategies and improve clinical prognosis for depression.
May offer directions for future mechanistic investigations into AA's role in depression treatment.