Fig. 3

Schematic representation of an ECT course with the intended interventions (n = 12) and clinical (n = 15), EEG (n = 15), and MRI (n = 6) measurements. Every patient is randomized to four times a sequence of three conditions (A, B, and C) for three consecutive ECT sessions. A scheme consisting of 12 sessions is depicted, which will be the maximum and intended included number of ECT sessions, save early discontinuation of ECT because of clinical reasons. Baseline includes the ECT titration session (t = 0). Blue highlights indicate EEG and clinical measurements, which will be done at baseline, shortly before, during, and after each ECT session, after finishing the total index ECT course, and at 3 months follow-up. Orange highlights indicate MRI measurements (i.e. arterial spin labelling and others), which will be performed at baseline, once in every treatment condition (A, B, and C) directly after the ECT session, after finishing the index ECT course, and at 3 months follow-up