Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been shown to be an effective outpatient medical treatment for certain psychiatric disorders. With this treatment, a small amount of electricity is applied to the scalp, producing a seizure in the brain while the patient is asleep under general anesthesia. ECT has a high success rate for the treatment of major depressive disorder, catatonia, mania and various psychotic symptoms.  ECT appears to cause changes in brain chemistry that can alleviate symptoms of certain mental illnesses.  Although the procedure was introduced over seventy years ago, ECT remains controversial due to a stigma attached with early treatments. 

Although, like many other medical procedures, there may still be side effects and complications, ECT is now administered in a controlled setting using precisely calculated electrical currents and the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art equipment.  Currently, about 100,000 individuals are estimated to receive ECT each year in the United States.

ECT is most commonly recommended for people with:

• Severe depression, accompanied by psychosis, suicidal intent or refusal to eat
• Mania that hasn't improved with medications
• Schizophrenia, when symptoms are severe or medications are not sufficient
• When medications cannot be tolerated or other forms of therapy have not proved effective.

ECT is considered to be one of the most effective treatments now available for depression and has been very helpful for patients who might otherwise have required lengthy hospitalizations or very high doses of medication.

Deciding whether electroconvulsive therapy is a good option for you or a loved one can be extremely difficult. Should electroconvulsive therapy be your first treatment choice? Or should it only be a last resort? Will it cause lasting side effects? It is not a decision to make lightly. But understanding more about the potential benefits and risks of Electroconvulsive therapy can help in your decision.

Cost

Therapeutic Solutions accepts many private insurance payers. Our staff will verify benefits for you and complete pre-authorization for treatment. Co-payments may be required.  Individualized financial arrangements and self-pay options are also available.

To make a referral, or for more information, contact the ECT Coordinator at (530) 899-3150.