Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) involves sending electronic current briefly through a portion of the brain. ECT is used for people whose depression is severe or life threatening or who cannot take antidepressant medication. ECT often is effective in cases where antidepressant medications do not provide sufficient relief of symptoms.
In recent years, ECT has been much improved. A muscle relaxant is given before treatment, which is done under brief anesthesia. Electrodes are placed at precise locations on the head to deliver electrical impulses.
The stimulation causes a brief (about 30 seconds) seizure within the brain. The person receiving ECT does not consciously experience the electrical stimulus. For full therapeutic benefit, at least several sessions of ECT, typically given at the rate of three per week, are required.
Some memory problems may occur in the wake of ECT treatments. Newer techniques have minimized these side-effects.
Last updated 11/7/05
