Electroconvulsive Therapy for Depression and Other Mental Illness

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment most commonly used in patients with mental illness that have not responded well to medications and other treatments.
• ECT involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia.
• Our team approach consists of board-certified psychiatrists, anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and specially trained ECT nursing staff. ECT offers consistent monitoring of the patient’s mental well-being along with monitoring the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores by the psychiatrists.
• Our ECT staff work collaboratively with internal and external referral sources to ensure consistent communication between referring providers and our team, and to allow for a smooth transition during treatments.
• Commitment to service excellence and quality care for our patients, their families and their referral clinicians is our standard of care.

What Does ECT Treat?

ECT is a type of therapy used in the treatment of severe episodes of major depression, depression in pregnancy, mania, catatonia, Parkinson’s, and some types of schizophrenia including schizoaffective disorder. The seizure activity is believed to bring about certain biochemical changes, which are expected to cause symptoms to diminish or even disappear.

Research suggests that ECT works by changing neurons in your brain through growth and reorganization.

Preparing for Your ECT Appointment

• Prior to attending ECT you will need to consult with your Primary Physician or Psychiatrist to discuss if ECT is the right fit for you.
• You will be scheduled for a consultation with an ECT psychiatrist to discuss the treatment process as well as potential risks and benefits of ECT. This is also a great time to ask any questions you may have about ECT.
• Patients will need to set up a Pre-op History and Physical, bloodwork, and an EKG prior to starting ECT treatments
• A nurse from our ECT clinic will contact you to complete ECT education, answer additional questions, review medications, and schedule you to begin treatment
• Patients must have transportation to and from ECT as this is a procedure involving anesthesia. A support person is also recommended to help care for you
• Patients are to not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before an ECT treatment (no gum, mints, candy, smoking, etc.)
• Medications will be reviewed with you and can be taken with a sip of water the morning of your ECT unless contraindicated by your physician