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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) 

What is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? 

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure that involves inducing a brief, controlled seizure in the brain by applying an electric current. It is performed under general anesthesia and with muscle relaxants to minimize risks and discomfort. 

What is the purpose of this treatment? 

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used to treat a variety of serious psychiatric disorders, including: 

  • Major depression: It can be used especially when depression is severe, resistant to medication, or associated with psychosis, catatonia, or risk of suicide. 
  • Bipolar disorder: It is used to treat episodes of mania or depression in people with bipolar disorder. 
  • Schizophrenia: It is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia, especially when other treatments have not been effective. 
  • Catatonia: It is used to treat catatonia, a state of immobility and unresponsiveness. 

Benefits of advanced technology in ECT  

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) benefits from advanced technology in several areas: 

  • Anesthesia and monitoring: Modern anesthesia and continuous monitoring of vital functions during the procedure have significantly improved the safety and comfort of ECT. 
  • Precise stimulation: Modern ECT devices allow precise control of the dose and duration of the electrical current, helping to optimize results and minimize side effects. 

Neuroimaging: Neuroimaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), can be used to investigate the effects of ECT on the brain and to identify patients who are most likely to respond to treatment. 

What does the procedure involve?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure performed in a hospital and comprises several phases: 

  • Preparation:

    Before ECT, you will undergo a complete medical evaluation, which may include blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and a psychiatric evaluation. You will be asked to fast for at least 6 hours before the procedure. It is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. 
  • During the procedure:

    You will lie down on a table and be given general anesthesia and a muscle relaxant. Electrodes will be placed on your scalp, usually on both sides of the head (bilateral ECT) or on one side only (unilateral ECT). A brief electrical current will be applied through the electrodes, which will induce a controlled seizure in the brain. You will also be carefully monitored throughout the entire procedure. 
  • After the procedure:

    After the ECT, you will be moved to a recovery room where you will be monitored until you are fully awake. You may experience some mild side effects, such as confusion, disorientation, headache, or nausea. These side effects usually disappear quickly. You will be scheduled for several ECT sessions, usually 2 to 3 times per week for several weeks. 

Treatment recommendations 

Remember that it is important to adhere to the following recommendations to ensure the quality of the treatment and your comfort: 

  • Report medications: it’s important to tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. 
  • Fasting: follow all fasting instructions provided by your doctor or hospital staff. 
  • Arrange transportation: You will need someone to drive you home after each ECT session, as you will not be able to drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours. 
  • Follow the postoperative instructions: follow all postoperative instructions provided by your doctor or hospital staff carefully. 

Are there any risks? 

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is generally considered safe, but like any medical procedure, there are some minor risks to consider: 

  • Memory loss: Memory loss is the most common side effect of ECT. Most people experience some short-term memory loss, but long-term memory loss is also a possibility. 
  • Confusion and disorientation: Confusion and disorientation are common immediately after ECT, but usually disappear quickly. 
  • Headache: A headache is the most common side effect of ECT. It can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers. 
  • Nausea: Nausea is a common side effect of ECT. It can be relieved with antiemetic medications. 
  • Heart problems: In rare cases, ECT can cause heart problems, such as arrhythmias or changes in blood pressure. 

To ensure your procedure runs smoothly, we ask that you arrive before the scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation. 

Before the procedure, we will give you the Informed Consent form, a document with important information that you must read and sign. 

If your appointment is for an MRI, it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metallic objects, prostheses (including dental prostheses), tattoos, or drug infusion devices such as insulin pumps. 
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