Health Encyclopedia

Electroconvulsive therapy

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Shock treatment; ECT

How the test is performed

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is most often done in a hospital's operating or recovery room while you are asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia).

You receive medicine to relax you (muscle relaxant) and to prevent you from feeling pain (short-acting anesthetic).
A small amount of electric current is delivered to the brain to cause seizure activity. It lasts for about 40 seconds. Medicine is given to prevent the seizure from spreading throughout the body.
ECT is usually given once every 2 - 5 days for a total of 6 - 12 sessions.

How to prepare for the test

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.

How the test will feel

Some people report mild confusion and headache after ECT. Hospital staff will monitor you closely after the procedure to make sure that you recover completely.

Why the test is performed

ECT is a highly effective treatment for depression, most commonly severe depression. It can be especially helpful for treating depression in patients who:

Cannot take antidepressant drugs
Are suicidal
Are pregnant and severely depressed
Have certain heart problems
Are psychotic

It is also used to treat bipolar disorder, people who are rigid and not responsive (catatonic), and some psychotic disorders.

What the risks are

Possible side effects from ECT include:

Allergic reaction to the anesthesia
Headache
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Memory lapses
Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
Temporary confusion

Special considerations

Some medical conditions place patients at greater risk for side effects of ECT. Discuss any such conditions or concerns with your health care provider when deciding whether ECT is right for you.

References

Frederikse M, Petrides G, Kellner C. Continuation and maintenance electroconvulsive therapy for the treatment of depressive illness: a response to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence report. J ECT. 2006;22:13-17.

Kellner CH, Knapp RG, Petrides G, et al. Continuation electroconvulsive therapy vs pharmacotherapy for relapse prevention in major depression: a multisite study from the Consortium for Research in Electroconvulsive Therapy (CORE). Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63:1337-1344.

Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. Health Care Guideline: Major Depression in Adults in Primary Care. 10th ed. May 2007.

Review Date:8/24/2008
Reviewed By:Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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