Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) sends an electronic current through the brain. This current causes brief seizure activity. This causes changes in brain chemistry.
Your doctor will review possible problems such as:
Rarely:
Your chances of having problems is higher for:
You may have:
You may feel confused after ECT. Arrange for a ride and for help at home.
General anesthesia will be used. You will be asleep.
Oxygen is given through a mask. A mouth guard may also be placed in the mouth. This will protect the tongue and teeth from getting hurt. Next, electrodes will be placed on the head. They will be hooked up to a machine. It will send an electric current to the brain. This will cause a seizure. After the shock is given, some muscles will contract for a few seconds. Next, the body will twitch, which can last up to a minute.
You will be taken to a recovery room where your vital signs will be watched. You will wake up in 10-15 minutes. You may feel confused. This confusion can last minutes, hours, or sometimes longer.
About 30 minutes, including time to recover after the procedure
You will not feel any pain during the procedure. After ECT, you may have a headache, and muscle aches or soreness.
When you are fully awake, you will be given something to eat and drink. In most cases, you will be able to go home the day of the procedure.
You will need to schedule an appointment for another ECT treatment. In most cases, you will need to have 2-3 treatments per week, for many weeks. You will need to take medication, such as antidepressants, and continue with therapy to prevent a relapse.
You may also need maintenance ECT to further prevent a relapse. Your doctor will help determine the right plan for you. This will depend on how you are progressing.
Call your doctor if you have any of these:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
American Psychiatric Association
Mental Health America
Canadian Mental Health Association
Canadian Psychiatric Association
Electroconvulsive therapy. El Camino Hospital website. Available at: http://www.elcaminohospital.org/Programs_and_Services/Behavioral_Health/Electroconvulsive_Therapy. Accessed September 4, 2018.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/how-electroconvulsive-therapy-works. Updated May 22, 2017. Accessed September 4, 2018.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Mental Health America website. Available at: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/ect. Accessed September 4, 2018.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T361082/Electroconvulsive-therapy...T-for-depression. Updated August 23, 2018. Accessed September 4, 2018.
Kellner CH, Greenberg RM, Murrough JW, et al. ECT in treatment-resistant depression. Am J Psychiatry. 2012;169(12):1238-1244.
5/13/2011 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T361082/Electroconvulsive-therapy...T-for-depression: Semkovska M, McLoughlin DM. Objective cognitive performance associated with electroconvulsive therapy for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Biol Psychiatry. 2010;68(6):568-577.
Last reviewed June 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.