Burst Suppression Anesthesia for Treatment of Severe Depression

Ten individuals with treatment resistant major depressive disorder will undergo 10 treatments
of deep anesthesia via propofol over a 3-week period. Depression will be evaluated before and
after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

- • Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or bipolar Disorder (I or II, most
recent episode must be depression

- Failed at least 2 anti-depressant treatments and no ECT in past 6 months

- Age between 18-55 years

- BMI < 35

- Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HSRD) score > 18

- Quick Inventory of Depression Scale (QIDS) score > 10.

Exclusion Criteria:

- • Diagnosis of primary psychotic disorder, dysthymia, or personality disorder

- Significant pre-morbid cognitive impairment

- Hypertension and current use of ACE inhibitor or AR blocker medications

- Symptomatic coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure

- History of transient ischemic or neurologic signs during the past year

- History of or susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia

- Contraindication to isoflurane or propofol anesthesia (as determined by
anesthesiologist)

- Diabetes requiring insulin

- Poor kidney function

- Chronic use of benzodiazepines or opioids

- Individuals incompetent to provide consent (e.g. catatonic, psychotic).