We call our genetic study of ECT “GenECT”. GenECT is a scientific research study designed to find ways improve treatment for severe depression. We want to answer questions like:
- “Why do some people get severe depression and other people do not?”
- “Why does ECT benefit some people more than others?”
In recent years, there have been amazing scientific advances in the field of genetics. Our study will harness these advances to try to help scientists and doctors find better ways to treat severe depression.
The GenECT study is a global effort to understand the genetics of severe depression. Dozens of doctors and scientists from around the world are working together with tens of thousands of patients to find out the answers to these questions. UNC Chapel Hill is a lead site in this global effort.