Table of Contents
Other Treatments
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is commonly called shock treatment. It has received bad press, in part for its potential memory-depleting effect. Since its introduction in the 1930s, ECT has been significantly refined, and is now considered an effective and safe treatment for severe depression in the appropriate situation. It is especially effective for patients who have not been helped by medication and those with severe depression who experience delusions and hallucinations. Maintenance ECT may also help prevent relapse.
Candidates for ECT. ECT may be helpful for the following patients with severe depression:
- Patients who cannot take antidepressant drugs or who have not been helped by drug therapy
- Patients with major depression with psychotic or catatonic features
- Suicidal patients
- Elderly patients who are psychotic and depressed
- Pregnant women with severe depression
- Young patients who fit the adult criteria for ECT
The Procedure. In general, hospitalization is not necessary. ECT involves the following steps:
- The patient receives a muscle relaxant and short-acting anesthetic.
- A small amount of electric current is sent to the brain, causing a generalized seizure that lasts for about 40 seconds.
- Most patients receive 6 treatments, spaced every 2 - 5 days. Others receive up to 15 treatments, followed by 6 - 12 additional treatments spaced every other week or longer for another 2 - 4 months.
Side Effects. Side effects of ECT may include temporary confusion, memory lapses, headache, nausea, muscle soreness, and heart disturbances. Concerns about permanent memory loss appear to be unfounded.
Review Date: 01/27/2011
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
