Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy
You may know electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as electric shock therapy—an outdated term with a bad reputation. We know that ECT can sound scary. But when other treatments don’t work for your severe depression, ECT may provide the long-term relief you need.
At Carilion Clinic, we know how frustrating and hopeless severe depression can feel. Modern ECT is highly effective. The skilled experts at our Interventional Psychiatry Clinic can explain how modern ECT may benefit you.
You may know electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as electric shock therapy—an outdated term with a bad reputation. We know that ECT can sound scary. But when other treatments don’t work for your severe depression, ECT may provide the long-term relief you need.
At Carilion Clinic, we know how frustrating and hopeless severe depression can feel. Modern ECT is highly effective. The skilled experts at our Interventional Psychiatry Clinic can explain how modern ECT may benefit you.
ECT is one of the most widely used brain stimulation therapies. It uses a small electric current to trigger seizure activity in the brain. The seizure causes electrical and chemical changes that help relieve symptoms of depression.
ECT works much quicker than antidepressant medicines. You may notice your symptoms feel better as little as a week after the first procedure. Though effective at treating symptoms, ECT doesn’t cure severe depression.
Who benefits from ECT?
For many people, ECT can provide relief from depressive symptoms for a long time. It substantially improves symptoms in around 80% of people with uncomplicated, severe depression.
ECT is approved for use in people age 13 and older to improve symptoms of treatment-resistant mental health conditions.
It can be used to treat:
- Severe depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Catatonia (when someone is awake but unresponsive)
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
We may also use ECT for emergency mental health care in someone who is at risk of suicide.
What Is Electroconvulsive Therapy?
ECT is one of the most widely used brain stimulation therapies. It uses a small electric current to trigger seizure activity in the brain. The seizure causes electrical and chemical changes that help relieve symptoms of depression.
ECT works much quicker than antidepressant medicines. You may notice your symptoms feel better as little as a week after the first procedure. Though effective at treating symptoms, ECT doesn’t cure severe depression.
Who benefits from ECT?
For many people, ECT can provide relief from depressive symptoms for a long time. It substantially improves symptoms in around 80% of people with uncomplicated, severe depression.
ECT is approved for use in people age 13 and older to improve symptoms of treatment-resistant mental health conditions.
It can be used to treat:
- Severe depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Catatonia (when someone is awake but unresponsive)
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
We may also use ECT for emergency mental health care in someone who is at risk of suicide.
ECT is an option when other treatments don’t work or stop working. Most of the time, doctors will try other options before talking about ECT.
ECT may be a first-line option when a person is ill and can’t take medicine. This is often the case with older adults with dementia.
Before treatment begins, you’ll receive testing, including a check of your heart, blood tests, and scans. We also ask that you fill out our ECT screening questionnaire.
Who should not get ECT?
ECT isn’t a good option for people with:
- Active substance use disorder
- Unstable heart and lung problems
- Severe uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Bad reactions in the past to anesthesia
Is Electroconvulsive Therapy Right for Me?
ECT is an option when other treatments don’t work or stop working. Most of the time, doctors will try other options before talking about ECT.
ECT may be a first-line option when a person is ill and can’t take medicine. This is often the case with older adults with dementia.
Before treatment begins, you’ll receive testing, including a check of your heart, blood tests, and scans. We also ask that you fill out our ECT screening questionnaire.
Who should not get ECT?
ECT isn’t a good option for people with:
- Active substance use disorder
- Unstable heart and lung problems
- Severe uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Bad reactions in the past to anesthesia
ECT requires a series of treatments—up to 12 over 2 – 3 weeks. Some people respond slower to the treatment and need more ECT sessions to feel better.
Before
You’ll get ECT at Carilion’s Interventional Psychiatry Clinic. Doctors do ECT procedures in the morning. You cannot have anything to eat or drink for 6 hours before.
You’ll get a short-acting general anesthetic and muscle relaxant for the procedure. This will put you to sleep and keep you from moving during the procedure. You won’t feel the electrical current.
During
During ECT, your doctor will attach electrode wires on one or both sides of your head. A special machine sends a small electric current through the electrodes into your brain.
After
The medicine used to sedate you doesn’t last very long. Most people wake up 5 – 10 minutes after ECT. You’ll wake up in a recovery room and feel groggy for about an hour.
It’s an outpatient procedure, so you’ll go home afterward. You need to have someone drive you and monitor you at home.
What Should I Expect?
ECT requires a series of treatments—up to 12 over 2 – 3 weeks. Some people respond slower to the treatment and need more ECT sessions to feel better.
Before
You’ll get ECT at Carilion’s Interventional Psychiatry Clinic. Doctors do ECT procedures in the morning. You cannot have anything to eat or drink for 6 hours before.
You’ll get a short-acting general anesthetic and muscle relaxant for the procedure. This will put you to sleep and keep you from moving during the procedure. You won’t feel the electrical current.
During
During ECT, your doctor will attach electrode wires on one or both sides of your head. A special machine sends a small electric current through the electrodes into your brain.
After
The medicine used to sedate you doesn’t last very long. Most people wake up 5 – 10 minutes after ECT. You’ll wake up in a recovery room and feel groggy for about an hour.
It’s an outpatient procedure, so you’ll go home afterward. You need to have someone drive you and monitor you at home.
Like other medical procedures, ECT involves some risks. You may feel confused, feel nauseous, or have headaches. More serious medical complications with ECT are rare.
Risks and Side Effects of ECT
Like other medical procedures, ECT involves some risks. You may feel confused, feel nauseous, or have headaches. More serious medical complications with ECT are rare.
Carilion has a long history of providing innovative therapies, including ECT, for hard-to-treat mental conditions. Through these treatments, there’s real hope and help for severe depression and other symptoms.
Integrated care
We work with your primary care team and other experts to create a care plan tailored to your needs. Treatment may include medicine, therapy and lifestyle support, including nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness.
Why Choose Carilion Clinic?
Carilion has a long history of providing innovative therapies, including ECT, for hard-to-treat mental conditions. Through these treatments, there’s real hope and help for severe depression and other symptoms.
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Get Care at Carilion Clinic
Don't let mental health stigma keep you from getting the care you need. Whether you're struggling with emotions or substance use, we encourage you to reach out. We can provide real help and hope.
Get Care at Carilion Clinic
Don't let mental health stigma keep you from getting the care you need. Whether you're struggling with emotions or substance use, we encourage you to reach out. We can provide real help and hope.
Get Care at Carilion Clinic
Don't let mental health stigma keep you from getting the care you need. Whether you're struggling with emotions or substance use, we encourage you to reach out. We can provide real help and hope.
Get Care at Carilion Clinic
Don't let mental health stigma keep you from getting the care you need. Whether you're struggling with emotions or substance use, we encourage you to reach out. We can provide real help and hope.