Electroconvulsive therapy

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Central nervous system

Electroconvulsive therapy is a treatment for depression that uses electricity to induce a seizure.

Shock treatment; ECT

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is most often performed in a hospital's operating or recovery room under general anesthesia. Electricity is delivered to the brain for several seconds to cause seizure activity. Medicine is given to prevent the seizure from spreading throughout the body. Typically, ECT is given 3 times a week for a total of 6 to 12 sessions.

Because general anesthesia is used for this procedure, you will be advised to not eat or drink before ECT.

Ask your health care provider whether you should take any daily medications in the morning before ECT.

Some people report mild confusion and headache following ECT. Hospital staff monitor the patient closely after the procedure to ensure complete recovery.

ECT is a highly effective treatment for depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder, catatonia, and some psychotic disorders.

Review Date: 02/19/2007
Reviewed By: Daniel W. Haupt, M.D., Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.