Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be an alternative treatment for those who have not responded to traditional therapies and medications.
ECT is a medical procedure most commonly used with patients who have one of several mental health issues such as:
- Severe major depression
- Bipolar depression or mania
- Schizophrenia
- Psychosis
- Persistent suicidal ideation
- Catatonia
These methods are typically for patients who have not responded well to other treatments or may be resistant to medications. ECT involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia. These procedures occur in two phases, initially consisting of three sessions per week for two to four weeks, then followed by a maintenance phase. Treatments are for adults 18 years of age and older.
Is ECT Safe?
To ensure treatment can be administered in the most effective manner, prior to receiving ECT, patients will undergo a physical and psychiatric evaluation. Medications may be adjusted to minimize risk and maximize effectiveness. Yet, all treatments may have risks and side effects. The most common side effects of ECT include muscle aches, nausea, short-term memory loss and headaches.
How Effective is ECT?
According to the National Institutes of Health, with more than half of severely treatment-resistant patients achieving remission, ECT has proven to be a useful treatment method. Since there are no guarantees regarding the effectiveness of ECT for each patient, the doctor will discuss why it is being recommended and what alternative treatments may be available to you.
How Do I Know If I Am Eligible for ECT?
Please consult the dedicated behavioral health professionals at Northwest Medical Center – Springdale at (479) 757-1400 to assess if you are a candidate for electroconvulsive therapy. There are risks associated with any treatment procedure and individual results may vary. The medical team will consult with you on the risks and benefits of ECT treatment if you are a suitable candidate.
ECT and How It Works
At Northwest Medical Center - Springdale, ECT is performed by a team of medical professionals specifically trained in its delivery. This team consists of a psychiatrist, anesthesiologist and nursing staff.
The anesthesia team administers general anesthesia, provides medications and monitors your medical status throughout the procedure. The psychiatrist delivers the ECT stimulation and the nursing team assists with pre-procedure preparation and post-procedure recovery.
After treatment, the nursing team will continue to monitor progress until it is deemed safe to leave. Outpatients receiving ECT will need to be driven to and from treatment as a safety precaution.
What Should I Expect After ECT?
While ECT is an effective treatment, it is only one component of a complete treatment regimen. After an ECT course, medications may be required as maintenance therapy to help prevent a return of illness.
It is important to remember that ECT cannot resolve other mental health problems associated with personal relationships or how an individual copes with the stressors of life. Other interventions such as psychotherapy may be recommended. Talk to a medical professional about steps after ECT.
A Continuum of Care
Northwest Health offers a broad range of mental health services for adults and seniors on an inpatient and outpatient basis, including:
- Psychiatric emergency services (PES)
- Inpatient hospitalization (IP)
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
These programs provide services for a variety of treatable mental illness or behavioral health needs and can help patients reach their goals while providing them with the tools necessary to live a healthier life.
For more information or to schedule an intake appointment, please call (479) 757-1400 or email ect@nw-health.com.