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Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment where small electric currents are passed through the brain, deliberately triggering a brief seizure. This procedure is conducted under general anaesthesia to ensure the patient is asleep and doesn’t feel any discomfort. ECT is typically used for severe mental health conditions like severe depression and bipolar disorder, especially when other treatments haven’t worked. While the exact reasons why ECT works aren’t fully known, it’s believed to change brain chemistry, leading to improvements in symptoms.
How does it work?
Mechanism of Action: During an ECT session, a small electrical current is passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it’s believed that the seizure activity leads to changes in brain chemistry and neuronal activity, which can alleviate symptoms of certain mental illnesses.
Procedure: Before starting ECT, patients undergo a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examination and psychiatric assessment. ECT sessions are typically conducted in a hospital setting under general anaesthesia and muscle relaxants to minimize discomfort and prevent injury during the induced seizure.
Duration and Frequency: The number of ECT sessions required varies depending on the individual’s condition and response to treatment. Initially, treatments may be scheduled several times per week, with the frequency gradually decreasing as symptoms improve. Maintenance ECT sessions may be recommended to prevent relapse.
Side Effects and Risks: While ECT is generally considered safe, it can cause side effects such as temporary confusion, memory loss (particularly for events surrounding the time of treatment), headaches, muscle soreness and nausea. Serious complications are rare but may include cardiovascular issues, dental problems or cognitive difficulties.
Benefits
Effective Treatment: ECT is highly effective in treating severe depression, bipolar disorder and certain other mental health conditions. It often provides rapid relief from symptoms when other treatments have been ineffective.
Quick Response: Unlike some medications that may take weeks to show effects, ECT can lead to significant improvement in symptoms within a few sessions.
Reduced Risk of Suicide: ECT has been shown to reduce the risk of suicide in individuals with severe depression by rapidly alleviating symptoms.
Safe Option: ECT is a safe procedure when administered by trained professionals in a controlled medical environment. The risks associated with ECT are generally low and are carefully managed by healthcare providers.
Conditions that can benefit from ECT
