What is ECT or Electroconvulsive Therapy.

Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT,  involves passing of a low dose electric current through the brain to produce a therapeutic effect in certain mental disorders such as depression. With these low dose electric currents, generalized and controlled seizures are induced in the anaesthetized patient to produce the therapeutic effect.

Here we discuss

• How ECT works.
• Uses of ECT.
• ECT procedure.
• Dosage, variations and results.
• Effects and complications.
• Maintenance therapy with ECT.

Though ECT therapy or shock therapy, as it is also called, was first introduced in 1938, how it works is still a mystery. Formerly it was called electric shock treatment or electric shock therapy or electro shock therapy and had a stigma attached to it because the high voltage electric currents that were used produced serious side effects such as loss of memory and fractured bones.

Today ECT is safe because the currents used, have been optimized to be low and controlled and side effects thereby are minimal. ECT today is quite safe, fast and very effective.

How does ECT Therapy Work.

Electroconvulsive therapy or ECT therapy produces a large release of neurotransmitters, serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain caused by the controlled seizure. Neurotransmitters are responsible for the mood sentiment and are used by the brain cells to communicate signals. Another school of thought proposes that the seizures, caused by the shock therapy treatment, adjust the stress hormone levels in the brain which affect mood, energy, sleep and appetite.

Uses of ECT|Why is ECT Done.

In mental disorders.

Electroconvulsive therapy can give rapid and significant relief in even severe symptoms of certain mental health disorders. It is generally indicated when other forms of treatments such as medications and psychotherapy, have failed or in a life threatening situation, when risk of a suicide attempt is high. ECT gives dramatic relief in about 8 out of 10 patients. Today ECT is given to about 100,000 people a year in the US. It is used in the treatment of the following mental conditions:-

• Severe depression which has not responded to other treatments or when it is accompanied by psychosis (loss of realty) and suicidal tendency. ECT is the fastest way to give relief. Significant improvement is seen within one to two weeks.
• Catatonia is loss of motor mobility, lack of speech and abnormal behavior. It is associated with other psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar and severe depression. It is also seen caused by some medical illnesses such as autoimmune disorders.
• Schizophrenia is a mental disorder where the thought process and emotional response is disintegrated. ECT becomes the treatment of choice especially when schizophrenia is accompanied by psychosis, suicidal tendency or a desire to hurt others.
• Mania is part of bipolar disorder characterized by intense euphoria, agitation,  hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, psychosis and substance abuse.
• Parkinson’s disease or epilepsy.
• Severe obsessive compulsive disorder not responding to other treatments.

General Indications for ECT.

• During pregnancy when taking of medications can prove harmful to the fetus and rapid response is necessary.
• In older people who cannot tolerate side effects of medicines.
• In people who voluntarily prefer ECT instead of taking medicines.
• Patients who had a previous treatment with ECT.

Page 1 of 3.

Pages: Page 1 Page 2 Page 3

Related posts:

1. Types of Therapy.
2. Hormone Therapy for Cancer.
3. Phototherapy or Light Therapy for Psoriasis.
4. Side Effects of Radiation Therapy.
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – An Effective Sleep Treatment.
6. PUVA Therapy.
7. Gene Therapy for Cancer.