About this topic
Electroconvulsive therapy is known as ECT. During ECT, a small electric shock is sent to your brain. This causes a seizure. ECT is most often done to treat low mood that has not improved with drugs or talk therapy. ‚
It is not clear how or why ECT works. It is thought that ECT changes the chemicals in your brain during and after the seizure. These changes let the brain cells work better. The signs of low mood decrease and mood gets better. ‚
What will the results be?
How long it takes to feel better is not the same for each person. You may begin to feel better after two or three treatments. Returning to your normal self may take longer. Even after your signs get better, you may need ongoing care to avoid a return of your signs. Ongoing care does not have to be ECT, but it can be. Often, it includes drugs and talk therapy. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do. You should be given written teaching sheets from your doctor in case you have trouble with your memory after your treatment.
- Take drugs as ordered by the doctor.
- Do not stay by yourself for the first 24 hours. Have someone stay with you.
- Do not drive or run machinery for 24 hours.
- You can eat normal meals and take your normal drugs as ordered.
- You may have some muscle aches or a headache after ECT. You can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain drugs.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need to have more treatments. Be sure to follow the schedule to get the best results. In most cases, 3 treatments per week will be done; with most often a total of 6 to 12 treatments. This may vary based on the response. Some people may need 1 treatment per month to maintain a positive response. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Muscle pain or soreness
- Trouble thinking or making decisions
- Memory loss, most often short term
When do I need to call the doctor?
- If you feel you might hurt yourself or someone else
- If you have very bad headaches or racing heartbeat
- If you have any concerns about your mood
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you what I need to do after my procedure.
- I can tell you what I will do if I feel I might hurt myself or someone else.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Electroconvulsive_therapy ‚
Mental Health America ‚
http://www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/treatment/electroconvulsive-therapy-ect ‚
National Institute of Mental Health ‚
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/depression/electroconvulsivetherapy/01.html ‚
Up to Date ‚
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/electroconvulsive-therapy-ect-beyond-the-basics ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚