Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT)

If Other Treatments Haven’t Helped, ECT Might

Mindful Health Solutions is dedicated to helping patients find relief from their battle with depression and using the most appropriate therapy that has the highest likelihood of providing them with relief. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is safe and effective and is a good treatment option when medications aren’t tolerated, or other forms of therapy haven’t worked.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure, done under general anesthesia, in which direct current is applied to stimulate the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. The treatment is administered to patients under general anesthesia and given in a controlled, outpatient setting to achieve the most benefit with the fewest possible side effects.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) ECT is the most effective treatment for mood disorders including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Bipolar Disorder, and Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). It is “rapidly acting” with some patients reporting significant improvements within two weeks. ECT is considered the best treatment when depression cooccurs with suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm. ECT may be used during pregnancy and is effective for post-partum mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder). ECT is very effective and safe for older patients with depression and bipolar disorder as well as adolescent patients. A safe and supportive environment is provided for patients receiving ECT treatments and their families supporting them during and after the treatments. Detailed instructions are supplied to each patient for before and aftercare.

ECT treatments are administered at Sutter Center for Psychiatry in a hospital procedure setting. ECT treatments are generally given three times weekly for three to four weeks. Most people require 6 to 12 treatments, although up to 20 or more treatments are needed in some cases during the initial phases of treatment. The number of treatments will depend on the severity of symptoms and how rapidly symptoms improve. Immediately post ECT headaches can be common and usually relieved with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Thinking and memory side effects are not uncommon – memory difficulty for the period surrounding the treatment or course of ECT is to be expected. Additionally, when receiving ECT, patients cannot drive as they may suffer from disorientation during the day of treatment. Most patients will be drowsy and feel “out of it” on the day of ECT. Some people may feel like napping, but most will be able to go home soon after treatment. Because patients are at risk of falling, they are carefully monitored. Patients can generally return to normal activities a day after the procedure. However, some patients may be advised not to return to work, make important decisions, or drive until one to two weeks after the last ECT in a series, or for at least 24 hours after a single treatment during maintenance therapy. Resuming activities depends on when memory loss and confusion resolve.

Immediately post ECT headaches can be common and usually relieved with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Thinking and memory side effects are not uncommon – memory difficulty for the period surrounding the treatment or course of ECT is to be expected. Additionally, when receiving ECT, patients cannot drive as they may suffer from disorientation during the day of treatment. Before having the first ECT treatment, a patient will need a full evaluation, which usually includes: medical history; complete physical exam; psychiatric assessment; basic blood tests; and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check heart health. These exams help to make sure that the general anesthesia will be safe for you. It is the same medical clearance required for outpatient surgical procedures.

We believe every person has the right to live a nornal, full life. Depression can hinder this.

Sometimes you have attempted many different treatments to find relief and eventually find happiness. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, brief treatment that is routinely and safely given to people and is found to have better results than psychotherapies and medications for the right patients. Despite the desciprtive name and perhaps stigma on ECT, it is a treatment that has been used safely for many years, and can be life-changing for people with treatment-resitant depression. We hope you’ll read and learn more about this treatment or others we offer as you try and find your way back to health- and even happiness.

There are more than three million cases per uear in the US of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder (often referred to as manic-depressive disorder.) It is a common illness and can often be treated with therapy or antidepressants. However, some people will not find relief or need a more “rapidly acting” treatment, especially if their depression cooccurs with suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm.

Our staff will gather information on your symptoms and background, as well as any treatments you have attempted. They will answer any questions you may have and, if you are interested, discuss how the treatment works and schedule a consultation with you.