What Is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and How Does It Work?

Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is a highly effective treatment for mental health conditions like major depression, mania, catatonia, and schizophrenia. It can be especially helpful to those who have not found relief with other treatments.

Learn more about ECT, how it works, and what you might expect at a treatment appointment.

What Is ECT?

During ECT, patients are put to sleep with anesthesia, while a brief electrical current is used to stimulate the brain. With anesthesia and muscle relaxants, patients stay relaxed and comfortable. This helps to restore normal brain activity and helps patients get back to their baseline.

ECT is a safe and effective procedure. Side effects can include mild headaches, muscle pain, and nausea. Memory can also be affected.

ECT may be an option when medications aren’t effective or cause difficult side effects. It can also help people struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

What Happens at an ECT Appointment?

McLean’s ECT Service offers ECT for inpatients and outpatients.

When you arrive in our treatment area, the ECT team will assess how you’re doing. Your treatment team will monitor you closely during the treatment. After the treatment, you will be moved to the recovery room where your nurse will monitor your vital signs.

Patients can be discharged approximately two hours after treatment. Outpatients should be accompanied by a responsible adult to transport them home.

Most patients have eight to 15 treatments over four to six weeks before potentially transitioning to taper or maintenance ECT.

Most patients start to notice a positive change in their mood after four to six treatments.

Our experienced ECT team will support you to ensure you get the care you need.