Electroconvulsive therapy

There can be a lot of stigma surrounding electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT. Some people think that it is inhumane, or that it will hurt or that it is an old technique that is ineffective and out of date. However, today’s ECT is really one of the most modern and effective treatment methods for certain forms of mental illness, particularly ones that have serious, life-threatening symptoms.

Many people find ECT to be an extremely effective treatment option that brings them relief from complex or medication-resistant conditions such as:

• Bipolar disorder
• Psychosis
• Severe depression
• Schizophrenia
• Severe mania

ECT is a safe and effective way to address complex mental illnesses, but it’s important to know that it can have side effects, and that you will need to be gentle with yourself while undergoing treatment. For example, you should not drive or do any major physical activity like sports or other athletics while undergoing ECT. This is because ECT may make you disoriented or confused, and you could accidentally hurt yourself or someone else. Your doctor will likely talk with you further before treatment begins to make sure that you’re comfortable and prepared, and that you and your loved ones know how best to care for you throughout therapy.

It’s completely understandable to be worried about electroconvulsive therapy, whether you are preparing for your own treatment or for a loved one’s. We believe that learning more about what will happen during this therapy and how it works to help you feel better is the first step in feeling more confident and comfortable with your treatment.

First, it is important to know that you will not be alone during ECT. You will have either a friend or a family member there to drive you home, as it’s strongly discouraged to drive while undergoing ECT. In addition, you will be under the care of a whole team of specialists, including doctors, nurses, nursing assistants and an anesthesiologist. Your team is there to keep you safe and comfortable throughout the process.

When it’s time for your appointment, your doctor will first place small, sticky electrodes on your forehead and scalp. These electrodes are not painful, and will be removed immediately after treatment. Once these are in place, the anesthesiologist will help you fall asleep and relax. It’s important to know that you aren’t placed under anesthesia because there is any invasive aspect of ECT, but because this is the best way to make sure that the process is easy both on you and your body.

Once you’re fully asleep, then the actual therapeutic portion of ECT will begin. This is the quickest part of treatment, as a very brief, gentle electrical charge is applied through the electrodes. This charge is what stimulates the brain, activates certain electrical rhythms and actually causes the chemical changes in your brain that promotes the stabilization and healing that you need and deserve.

After this is over, you will be gently woken up by your anesthesiologist and your care team. In many cases, you will be free to go home with your friend or family member within a short time after treatment is finished.

As with any sort of medical treatment, people may experience side effects while undergoing electroconvulsive therapy. They can include such things as:

• Confusion and disorientation (may occur immediately after treatment)
• Headache
• Jaw pain
• Memory problems (these very often resolve when the treatments end)
• Muscle aches
• Nausea

If at any time you become concerned about the health of yourself or a loved one, we are here to answer your questions and provide support.

Electroconvulsive therapy is often the answer that people who have been struggling with their mental health are looking for. It is highly effective in treating disorders that simply don’t respond to medication and therapy, and it has fewer and far less severe side effects than many psychiatric medications. Not only this, but it often takes effect more quickly than medicine, and allows people to start living the full, productive lives that they deserve.

To learn more about our electroconvulsive therapy program or to set up an appointment, please call us at: (816) 444-8161.

To arrange for an assessment online, please visit our patient scheduling portal.