Personal stories of people treated with both ECT and TMS for depression
Interviews adults with major depression who have had both ECT and TMS.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Individual Narratives of Stimulation (ECT and TMS)
Key facts
- Where
- Liverpool and Nottingham, United KingdomSee the 2 sites
Where in United Kingdom
- Mersey Care NHS Foundation TrustLiverpool, United KingdomNo longer taking part
- University of NottinghamNottingham, United KingdomNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Nottingham
- Trial code
- NCT07807930
- Record updated
- 30 September 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
Lived Experience of People Who Have Received Both Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Treating Major Depressive Disorder: a Narrative Inquiry
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.
Inclusion: 18 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.
Exclusion: 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.