ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy): Everything You Need To Know

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), is a psychiatric treatment that uses electric current to induce a seizure. ECT is used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis - but it is only used in very exceptional conditions. 

It is a highly effective treatment, but it's not right for everyone. However, the vast majority of patients report that ECT was effective in relieving their symptoms. In this article, we'll take a closer look at ECT and discuss the indications for use, side effects, and potential risks. 

How Is Electroconvulsive Therapy Performed?

Your psychiatrist will put you under general anaesthesia so you won't feel anything during the treatment. A muscle relaxant will also be given to you to keep you calm and your body still. Then, electrodes will be attached to your scalp and a small amount of electrical current will be passed through your brain. This will cause a brief seizure. You will be given a muscle relaxant to prevent your body from convulsing during the seizure. They will also give you oxygen through a mask or a tube that rests below your nose. You will get oxygen throughout the whole procedure until you wake up.

This might appear very scary or very intense when you read about it - but it is not at all painful. The electrical current is passed through your brain for only a few seconds, and you will not remember the treatment itself. After the procedure, you will be closely monitored for any side effects. Most people have no memory of the procedure or the hour or so before it. 

You will remain in the hospital for a day or two after the treatment so the staff can monitor you. You might experience some confusion and disorientation when you wake up, but this should only last a few minutes. 

Also read: How Technology is Changing Mental Health: The Latest Treatments for Depression 2022

What Happens to the Brain During Electroconvulsive Therapy?

ECT is a procedure that has been used to treat mental health conditions for over 70 years. During ECT, a carefully controlled electrical current is passed through the brain, causing a seizure. This seizure is brief and lasts for only a few seconds.

It is not known exactly how or why ECT works, but it is thought that the seizure helps to reset the brain’s chemistry. This can help to improve symptoms of certain mental health conditions, such as depression in cases where therapy and medication have not worked effectively. ECT is usually given three times a week for a total of six to twelve treatments. Most people start to see improvement after two or three treatments. ECT is generally safe and effective, but like all medical procedures, some risks are involved. These include temporary side effects, such as confusion, headache, and muscle aches. In rare cases, ECT can cause more serious side effects, such as memory loss.

Despite these risks, ECT can be an extremely effective treatment for certain mental health conditions. In fact, more than 70% of depressed people who receive it respond favourably, making it the most effective treatment for severe depression.  In some cases, it is the only treatment that works. However, it is important to weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision about whether or not to undergo ECT.

What Are the Side Effects of Shock Therapy (ECT)?

Side effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) can include headache, jaw pain, and nausea. You may also have some short-term memory loss after the procedure. These side effects usually go away within a day or two. Some people also experience more long-term side effects after ECT, such as depression, confusion, and problems with memory and thinking. These effects are more common in older adults. If you have these side effects, your psychiatrist will work with you to treat them. If you have a heart condition, your psychiatrist will take special care to monitor your heart and take other precautions with you, so that the treatment is as safe as possible.

The effects of ECT usually last for a few months, although some people may experience longer-term benefits. In some cases, people may need to have booster sessions every few months or years to maintain the benefits of treatment. 

Should I Get Electroconvulsive Therapy if I Am Depressed?

The decision to get electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a personal one that you should make with the help of your psychiatrist. ECT can be an effective treatment for depression, but it is not right for everyone. Before you decide to get ECT, it is important to:

• Learn about ECT - ECT is a medical treatment that involves passing electrical currents through the brain to intentionally induce a seizure. ECT can effectively treat certain mental health conditions, including depression.

• Talk to your psychiatrist about your treatment options - Depression is a serious mental health condition, and there are many treatment options available. ECT should only be considered after other treatment options have been explored and found to be ineffective.

• Get assessed for it - Before ECT begins, your psychiatrist will carefully assess your medical condition to make sure that ECT is safe for you. They will examine you, ask you about your medical history, and run tests. For example, you will probably have blood tests and a test called an "electrocardiogram" (ECG) to check the condition of your heart. These tests will also help the psychiatrist make sure that there is no other medical problem causing your psychiatric symptoms.

• Consider the risks and benefits of ECT - ECT is a safe and effective medical procedure, but it does have some risks. These risks should be weighed against the potential benefits of the procedure.

Once you have considered all of the risks and benefits of ECT, you can make a decision about whether or not to proceed with the procedure.  

Also read: Depression Medication: How it Works and the Common Side Effects

Conclusion

ECT is a highly effective, fast-acting treatment for severe depression. It is usually used when other treatments, such as medication and talk therapy, have not worked. ECT is a safe and effective treatment for certain mental health conditions and has been found to be particularly effective in treating depression.

These side effects usually go away quickly. There is a small risk of memory loss with ECT, but this is usually only temporary. If you are considering ECT, it is important to talk to your psychiatrist about your treatment options.