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 electrical current. It is performed under general anesthesia and with muscle relaxants to minimize discomfort and risks.
What is this treatment for?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used to treat a variety of serious psychiatric disorders, including:
- Major depression: Especially when the depression is severe, resistant to medication, or associated with psychosis, catatonia, or suicide risk.
- Bipolar disorder: To treat episodes of mania or depression in people with bipolar disorder.
- Schizophrenia: To treat the symptoms of schizophrenia, especially when other treatments have not been effective.
- Catatonia: To treat catatonia, a state of immobility and unresponsiveness.
Benefits of high technology in ECT
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) benefits from high technology in several areas:
- 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 more likely to respond to treatment.
- 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 for precise control of the dose and duration of the electrical current, which helps to optimize results and minimize side effects.
What is the procedure like?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure performed in a hospital and involves several phases:
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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 inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
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During the treatment:
You will lie on a gurney 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 (unilateral ECT). A brief electrical current will be applied through the electrodes, which will induce a controlled seizure in the brain. Additionally, you will be carefully monitored throughout the procedure.
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After the treatment:
After 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 a week for several weeks.
Recommendations for the treatment
Remember that it is important to follow these recommendations to ensure the quality of the study and your comfort:
- Inform about medications: It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- Fasting: Follow the 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 post-operative instructions: Carefully follow all post-operative instructions provided by your doctor or hospital staff.
Are there any risks?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is generally safe, but like any medical procedure, it has some minimal risks to consider:
- Memory loss: Memory loss is the most common side effect of ECT. Most people experience some short-term memory loss, but some people may also experience long-term memory loss.
- Confusion and disorientation: Confusion and disorientation are common immediately after ECT, but they usually disappear quickly.
- Headache: Headache is a 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 treatment goes smoothly, we ask that you arrive before the scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation.
Before the treatment, we will give you the Informed Consent, a document with important information that you must read and sign.
