ECT (Electro Convulsive Therapy) Sophie, Kirsty, Fabiha, Gabby, Emma and Samira

What is ECT? ECT stands for Electro Convulsive Therapy. The current causes a seizure in the brain. ECT is one of the fastest ways to relieve symptoms of people who are severely depressed or suicidal. It is also effective for people who suffer from mania or other forms of mental health illnesses. ECT is generally used as a last resort after all the other options have been tried and severe depression is unresponsive to other forms of therapy.

How is it administered? The brief medical procedures of administering ECT: Applying short electrical bursts to the brain through external electrode pads on the patient’s head. This creates a seizure which has shown to help relieve symptoms associated with severe depression. Below is a short clip which shows how ECT is administered. The patient is anesthetized and given muscle relaxant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsXZ5NKrwpc

How does it work? Treatments are normally administered three times a week. A course of ECT normally ranges from six to twelve sessions. The average number of sessions is nine. The number of treatments that you need will be determined by the severity of the patient’s symptoms how rapidly you respond.

Is it effective? There is plenty of research evidence which shows that ECT is effective. This suggests that ECT can help some people with Parkinson’s disease or with the side- effects of some psychiatric medications. However, it does not help everyone. Furthermore, ECT can have severe side effects such as memory loss.