Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a well-established, safe, and effective treatment option for certain mental health conditions, particularly when other treatments such as medication have not provided sufficient relief.
ECT can offer faster symptom improvement in some individuals compared to medications alone.
The procedure involves delivering a controlled, low-intensity electrical stimulus to specific areas of the brain while the patient is under general anesthesia. This stimulation produces a brief, carefully monitored seizure that is measured using EEG (electroencephalogram) monitoring.
Although the exact way ECT works is not fully understood, research indicates that it may promote changes in brain activity and stimulate the formation of new connections between brain cells in areas of the brain affected by psychiatric illness.
Our team is highly trained in administering ECT and is dedicated to ensuring patient comfort, safety, and informed decision-making throughout the treatment process.
What Conditions Can ECT Treat?
ECT is most commonly used to treat severe depression, bipolar depression, mania, and catatonia. In some cases, ECT may also be helpful in treating psychosis or severe agitation, especially when associated with dementia.
Why is my Doctor Recommending ECT?
ECT may be recommended when symptoms are severe and significantly impact your quality of life or ability to function. It is often considered when medications have not been effective or cannot be used due to side effects, pregnancy, or other medical concerns. ECT offers an alternative treatment path when other options are limited or unsuccessful.
How Effective Is ECT?
ECT is considered the most effective treatment for severe depression that has not responded to other therapies. Over 70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression experience significant improvement or remission. Effectiveness can vary for other conditions, and co-occurring psychiatric disorders—such as anxiety, OCD, or personality disorders—may influence outcomes. Individuals with long-standing illnesses like schizophrenia may not respond as well to ECT, but some still benefit from the treatment.
How Safe Is ECT?
Modern ECT is a very safe procedure. Serious medical complications are extremely rare, occurring in fewer than 5 cases per 10,000 treatments. The risks of untreated mental illness—including suicide and poor physical health from lack of nutrition or self-care—are much higher than the risks associated with ECT.
Patients undergo a pre-treatment medical evaluation, and those with conditions like heart disease are closely monitored by specialists and receive continuous cardiac monitoring during treatment. Each year, over 1 million people worldwide receive ECT. There is no evidence that ECT causes brain damage when administered using modern techniques.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of ECT?
Physical Side Effects
Common physical side effects include headache, muscle soreness, and nausea. These are typically short-lived and can be managed with medications given during or after the procedure.
Cognitive Side Effects
Most patients experience temporary confusion and disorientation immediately after treatment, which usually resolves within a few hours. Some people may have trouble remembering recent events, names, or dates during the course of ECT. These memory difficulties generally improve within 2–3 weeks after treatment ends. A small number of individuals (about 1 in 5) may experience longer-lasting memory gaps related to the period around their ECT treatments.
How Many ECT Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments varies depending on your condition and how you respond. During the initial treatment course, most people receive between 6 and 12 sessions, typically administered three times per week (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Some individuals may need more treatments. Others may benefit from “maintenance ECT,” which is delivered every few weeks or months to help sustain recovery. Your team will work closely with you to adjust your treatment plan based on your needs and progress.
What Happens During ECT and Who Will Be Taking Care of Me?
ECT can be provided either as an inpatient or an outpatient procedure. Each treatment is delivered by a team that includes a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist, and a specially trained nurse.
Before treatment, you’ll receive an intravenous (IV) line and be given a short-acting anesthetic and a muscle relaxant. While you are asleep, a small, controlled electrical pulse is applied to the scalp, causing a brief seizure in the brain that typically lasts 30 to 60 seconds.
You’ll wake up a few minutes later and be monitored in a recovery area. Most people are ready to return home or to their hospital unit within 30-40 minutes.
Are There Any Precautions While Receiving ECT?
Yes. Because ECT can affect cognitive functioning during treatment, certain precautions are necessary:
- Do not drive or operate machinery during the initial ECT treatment course. If you’re receiving maintenance treatments, avoid driving for at least 24 hours after each session.
- Avoid work or school until treatment is completed, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Do not sign legal documents or make major decisions for at least 24 hours after treatment.
- Avoid alcohol and recreational substances throughout the course of treatment.
The ETC treatment team will guide you through any activity restrictions and help ensure your safety throughout your treatment.
Referrals
Your healthcare provider can make a referral to the Center for Interventional Psychiatry for ECT by completing the online referral form below. An outpatient consultation will be scheduled to discuss current symptoms and determine if ECT is an appropriate option.
Inpatient referrals for ECT from an outside hospital may be made by completing the referral form below.
Online Referral Form