Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy(Therapy, Electroconvulsive; ECT)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) sends an electronic current through the brain. This current causes brief seizure activity. This causes changes in brain chemistry.
Reasons for ProcedureECT is used to treat mental health problems, such as: Possible ComplicationsProblems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
Things that may raise the risk of problems are:
What to ExpectPrior to ProcedureThe care team may meet with you to talk about:
AnesthesiaGeneral anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep. Description of ProcedureA guard may be placed in the mouth. This will protect the tongue and teeth from getting hurt. Next, electrodes will be placed on the head. They will be hooked up to a machine. It will send an electric current to the brain. This will cause a seizure. Some muscles will contract for a few seconds after the shock is given. Next, the body will twitch, which can last up to a minute. Most people need 2 to 3 treatments per week for many weeks. Some may need ongoing treatments to prevent symptoms from returning. Immediately After ProcedureYou will be taken to a recovery room where your vital signs will be watched. You will wake up in 10 to 15 minutes. You may feel confused. This confusion can last minutes, hours, or sometimes longer. How Long Will It Take?About 30 minutes Will It Hurt?A headache and muscle aches are common in the first hour after the test. Average Hospital StayMost people go home the same day. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer. Post-procedure CareAt the Care CenterThe staff will give you something to eat and drink when you are fully awake. At HomeECT may result in memory loss. Some memories may return in a few weeks while other memories may not return at all. Activities like driving and making important decisions may need to be limited during recovery. You may also need to delay return to work. Call Your DoctorCall your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away. RESOURCES:American Psychiatric Association https://www.psychiatry.org Mental Health America http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Mental Health Association https://cmha.ca Canadian Psychiatric Association https://www.cpa-apc.org References:Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
https://familydoctor.org/how-electroconvulsive-therapy-works. Accessed November 23, 2020. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Mental Health America website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed November 23, 2020.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/management/electroconvulsive-therapy-ect-for-depression. Accessed November 23, 2020. Ottosson JO, Odeberg H. Evidence-based electroconvulsive therapy. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2012 Mar;125(3):177-184. Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrian Preda, MD Last Updated: 4/14/2021 | |
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