As a courageous survivor of ECT (Electric Convulsive Therapy), I am often asked to speak to people suffering with depression and their family members about ECT. Many have the same exact questions that I had when I was first asked to consider ECT as a treatment intervention for my clinical depression back in 1990. Today, 15 years later, I've had over 50 successful ECT treatments during my four major bouts with clinical depression. ECT has become my "ladder out of the depression pit" for which I am most grateful.
Like many, I was terrified at the thought of how ECT was given and more importantly what others might think of me afterwards. The media has portrayed ECT as a barbaric treatment; a treatment only given to "crazy" people in the dark wards of psychiatric hospitals. This life-saving treatment is as far from that reality as it can be.
Electroconvulsive therapy is again coming into favor as a treatment for severe depression. According the American Psychiatric Association, its success rate is 80 percent whereas medication has a success rate of between 40 and 45 percent.
From personal experience I can tell you how ECT is performed:
The patient receives an IV containing anesthesia and a muscle relaxant, blood pressure and pulse monitoring devises are applied, EKG leads monitor the heart and EEG leads monitor the brain, to prevent the possibility of the patient biting their tongue, a bite-block is inserted in the mouth and an oxygen mask is placed over face to ensure proper respiration. Electrodes are applied to the right temple and the parietal area on the head. The electric current is adjusted to the lowest intensity and shortest duration needed. The doctor then applies the electrical stimulus by pressing a button on the end of one ECT handle. The brief pulse stimulus lasts just 1 to 2 seconds. One ECT course consists on 6 to 12 treatments.
It is still unclear why ECT helps patients with severe depression. Some feel that the electrical shock and subsequent seizure somehow simulate the brain's neurons and reconfigure chemicals in the limbic system that regulate and balance the emotions. Alternatively, the seizure may alter the body's hormonal system to relieve depression
The biggest challenge for me was accepting ECT as a viable treatment option. It was easier for me to understand the treatment than it was for me to accept the treatment. ECT has become my "treatment of choice." The positive outcome from ECT outweighs the stigma surrounding ECT. I have come to understand and trust ECT as my "silver bullet" in dealing with my severe clinical depression.
www.courageousrecovery.com
Thank you for sharing your ECT treatment with us. I'm currently on an ECT routine of one every two weeks. This had been going on for about 2 years. I swear by the ECT. They help me tremendously. I'm so glad you explained the procedure. You will help many who are getting ECT or wondering how they work.
Thank you,
Dave
Dear Dave,
With all the stigma surrounding ECT, I felt a responsibility to share my positive experience as well as help others understand what ECT is all about.
I am delighted that you, too, have benefited from this treatment. The
American Psychiatric Association has reported that there is an 80 percent
response rate.
Unfortunately, there are cases where ECT has casused major issues with
long-term memory loss. However, if you look at any treatment whether
for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc. there are cases of poor results.
My hope, Dave, is that the world understand and accept ECT as a viable
option. It doesn't work for everyone; however, it does work for many.
Best wishes on continued wellness--
Carol Kivler, Courageous Recovery