Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments are administered in a controlled, outpatient setting. During treatment, an electrical current is applied to the scalp to stimulate the brain and intentionally cause a controlled seizure. Thanks to the anesthesia, the process is painless.
ECT is not an initial treatment plan and is reserved for those who have symptoms that are not responding to other types of procedures, therapy, and medications. ECT is considered the best treatment when depression symptoms are occurring alongside suicidal ideation and/or self-harm.
Unlike what can be portrayed in media, ECT is a safe treatment. It is endorsed by the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, and the US Surgeon General. Around 100,000 patients are treated with ECT every year in the United States. Those thousands of patients experience ECT without complications and can find relief from their severe depression.
In our blog posts, you can learn more about the benefits of ECT.
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