While ECT uses strong electrical currents to induce seizures, shock therapy uses milder currents that do not cause injury. In addition to depression, this form of therapy has also been used to treat anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), memory problems associated with dementia, and other conditions.
What is shock therapy for depression?
Shock therapy, known medically as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), is a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions. ECT is generally offered when other treatments are ineffective or there is a need for rapid response.
What is ECT shock therapy for depression?
Shock Treatment for Depression: How ECT Shock Therapy Works. "Shock therapy" was so-called, as an electric shock is used to induce a controlled seizure intended as a treatment for chemical imbalances in the brain. Shock therapy is now known as electroconvulsive therapy or ECT.
Is shock therapy still used today?
Shock Therapy: Still Here, Still Used. But electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is still being used -- more in Europe than the United States -- and it may be the most effective short-term treatment for some patients with depressive symptoms, a newly published review in the journal The Lancet suggests.
How does shock therapy affect the brain?
Shock therapy is now known as electroconvulsive therapy or ECT. advertisement. The brain is still not well understood, nor is the reason for the treatment effects ECT (shock) therapy has on some individuals. It is known that ECT affects hormones, neuropeptides, neurotrophic factors, and neurotransmitters in the brain.
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Does shock therapy work for bipolar?
ECT involves sending an electric current through the brain to cause a controlled seizure. It isn't entirely understood why the seizure is effective, but it's thought that it eases the symptoms of bipolar disorder by changing the brain's chemistry. Electroconvulsive therapy is performed in the hospital.
Is shock treatment still done today on people with mental disorders?
But electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is still being used -- more in Europe than the United States -- and it may be the most effective short-term treatment for some patients with depressive symptoms, a newly published review in the journal The Lancet suggests.
Why is shock therapy still used?
Why it's done. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can provide rapid, significant improvements in severe symptoms of several mental health conditions. ECT is used to treat: Severe depression, particularly when accompanied by detachment from reality (psychosis), a desire to commit suicide or refusal to eat.
Is electric shock therapy still used for schizophrenia?
Available literature, including meta-analysis and systematic reviews, suggest that ECT is a safe and effective treatment in patients with schizophrenia. However, despite the available evidence, it is highly underutilised and is often used as one of the last resort among patients with schizophrenia.
Is shock therapy still used for autism?
Autism Speaks opposes the use of these electrical stimulation devices (ESDs) and continues to support the ban on their use. Painful aversive conditioning has no place in the treatment of autism or any developmental disorder.
Is shock treatment still used for depression?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment most commonly used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. ECT involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia.
For which disorder was electroconvulsive therapy ECT originally developed as a treatment?
Electroconvulsive therapy was born. In 1938, Cerletti and his psychiatrist colleague Lucio Bini developed the first ECT device and treated their first human patient, a diagnosed schizophrenic with delusions, hallucinations, and confusion.
Is insulin shock therapy still used?
Insulin coma therapy went out of vogue with the introduction of antipsychotics in the 1960s. By that time, it had also been largely discredited and was on its way to being relegated to an embarrassing blip in the history of psychiatry.
Does electroshock therapy work for anxiety?
Electroconvulsive therapy is effective in the acute treatment of major depressive disorder patients associated with anxiety symptoms. Anxiety symptoms improved less than depression symptoms during acute electroconvulsive therapy.
Does ECT work for schizoaffective disorder?
ECT involves transmitting short electrical impulses into the brain. Although ECT is a highly effective treatment for severe depression, it is not the first choice in treating schizoaffective disorder.
When should ECT not be used?
The following strategies should not be used routinely: augmentation of an antidepressant with a benzodiazepine for more than 2 weeks as there is a risk of dependence. augmentation of an antidepressant with buspirone*, carbamazepine*, lamotrigine* or valproate* as there is insufficient evidence for their use.
Is electric shock therapy still used UK?
But for a group of the most severely depressed patients, ECT has remained one of the last options on the table when other therapies have failed. Annually in the UK around 4,000 patients, of which John is one, still undergo ECT.
Is insulin shock therapy still used today?
Insulin coma therapy went out of vogue with the introduction of antipsychotics in the 1960s. By that time, it had also been largely discredited and was on its way to being relegated to an embarrassing blip in the history of psychiatry.
When did they stop using electroshock therapy?
The use of ECT declined until the 1980s, "when use began to increase amid growing awareness of its benefits and cost-effectiveness for treating severe depression".
Are lobotomies still performed?
Today lobotomy is rarely performed; however, shock therapy and psychosurgery (the surgical removal of specific regions of the brain) occasionally are used to treat patients whose symptoms have resisted all other treatments.
Is shock treatment legal?
Conclusions: There are no US national laws on ECT leaving individual state governments to regulate treatment. Whereas some states have detailed restrictions on use, other states have no regulation at all.
Shock Therapy: Process, Preparation, Outcomes and more
Krystina is a Technical Writer with a background in healthcare. She has spent the last 10 years working for an internationally recognized medical facility where she found her passion for making complicated topics easier to understand.
The Electroconvulsive Therapy Process
An ECT treatment regimen will typically include sessions two to three days a week for a total of six to 12 treatments. The schedule works out to about one month of treatment, although the course may continue for longer.
How to Prepare for Your Treatment
ECT sessions generally do not require much preparation, though you will need to go over the specifics with your doctor. Your doctor may give you orders to follow based on other health conditions you have or medications you take.
Potential Outcomes of Shock Therapy
Most people who undergo ECT will see a noticeable change in their symptoms. Some people will notice an immediate improvement after one session. However, it is more common to not see or feel a significant difference in symptoms for several sessions.
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be used to treat major depressive disorde r, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions. It is often considered when other treatments have not helped.
A Word From Verywell
If you are wondering if shock therapy might be a treatment option for you, discuss it with your psychiatrist. While ECT can provide lasting relief from the symptoms of MDD, bipolar disorder, and similar conditions, it's not the right choice for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even though ECT has been around for nearly 90 years, scientists still are not quite sure why or how it benefits some people with depression.
What is neuromodulation therapy?
It’s one of the most studied mental health treatments available. For some patients with depression, there are also other brain-stimulating treatment options, called transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation. Together with ECT, they’re called “neuromodulation” therapies.
What is ECT for mental health?
For people with much rarer mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, psychosis or a catatonic state caused by a mental health condition, ECT can provide a dramatic and immediate effect.
How long does an ECT last?
It travels into the brain and causes a seizure that lasts about a minute.
What are the effects of a short seizure?
Biological effects of the brief seizure cause changes in brain chemicals — such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine — which are believed to be connected to mood-related problems, like depression , and other disorders.
Is ECT done under general anesthesia?
ECT is done under general anesthesia, so patients don’t feel a thing. Modern ECT treatment units, such as the new one that just opened at the University of Michigan, provide comfortable surroundings to prepare for the anesthesia, and to wake up slowly from it.
Does electroshock therapy help with autism?
Flipping through channels late at night, you may come across an old movie that shows someone getting electroshock therapy, and wonder if anyone still does that today.
Does insurance cover ECT?
Most insurance programs cover it with a doctor’s referral. ECT is considered an established therapy option for certain conditions, so many insurance plans cover it — including plans offered by major private insurance companies and Medicare.
How does ECT work?
It works by generating a short-lived electrical seizure in the brain, and is typically administered two to three times a week as part of a regimen of six to 12 sessions.
Is ECT a good treatment for episodic disorder?
Based on the findings, Brancati said, "ECT should be considered a valuable treatment for severe episodic syndromes," especially the kind of overexcitement, restlessness, hostility and suspiciousness that can arise when manic, depressive and psychotic symptoms intertwine. The study team noted that bipolar disorder affects about 1% of the population.
Can ECT help with bipolar?
Investigators found that among bipolar patients who fail to respond to standard treatments, ECT can be a lifesaver, preventing out-of-control mood swings and dramatically lowering suicide risk. The study -- among the largest of its kind -- tracked 670 Italian adults who had ECT for bipolar disorder at a single psychiatric clinic between 2006 ...
What is shock therapy?
"Shock therapy" was so-called, as an electric shock is used to induce a controlled seizure intended as a treatment , primarily for mood disorders, although other conditions may be treated as well. Shock therapy is now known as electroconvulsive therapy or ECT.
How does shock therapy feel?
How Shock Therapy Feels. When you awake from the anesthesia, you may be confused and tired. You will likely experience short-term memory loss around the time of the procedure. With multiple treatments, this may increase. Adverse cognitive effects tend to be the most concerning factors around ECT and tend to affect the frequency and duration ...
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat seizures?
A paralyzing agent called succinylcholine is then administered to prevent the seizure from spreading to your body. The electrodes are then applied to your head with conducting jelly and a brief shock (less than 2 seconds) is administered.
How to know if you are recovering from shock?
Your vital signs will be monitored closely after the shock treatment to ensure proper recovery. You may feel head, muscle or back pain. Such discomfort tends to be relieved by mild medications. If any post-treatment effect is concerning you, you should talk to the treating physician immediately.
Where is shock therapy performed?
Shock therapy is performed in a hospital, sometimes in an area specifically set aside for this treatment. An intravenous (IV) is inserted to provide anesthetic medication. Vital signs are taken initially and continuously throughout the shock therapy treatment.
Is electroconvulsive therapy effective?
Electroconvulsive therapy has also shown effectiveness in treating other disorders such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare, severe, adverse reaction to antipsychotic medication). Shock treatment for depression and other disorders is indicated when the patient needs rapid improvement because the patient is:
Does mania respond to shock?
Mania also often responds well to shock treatment. The picture is not as bright for schizophrenia, which is more difficult to treat and is characterized by frequent relapses. A small number of patients are placed on maintenance shock therapy.
What is ECT therapy?
Therefore, ECT therapy is most commonly used in severe major depression or bipolar disorder that have failed to respond to traditional methods of cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, or talk therapy. The most common side effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are:
Why do doctors use ECT?
Doctors these days are much more hesitant to use ECT than passed, if for no other reason than because people are typically opposed. In addition, ECT is required by law to be used only by your consent or under the most severe conditions, such as: 1 To save your life 2 If urgently needed to prevent a rapid worsening of your condition
Is shock therapy safe?
Risks And Side Effects Of Shock Therapy. Modern ECT is a very safe procedure, but there are a few risks and side effects. Because this is a medical procedure that uses general anesthesia, you may suffer medical complications. In addition, the treatment always causes increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
Can you get shock treatment with ECT?
If your doctor has suggested ECT as a possible treatment for you or a loved one, you need to make sure you understand what your specific treatment will be done and what results you can achieve from it. However, you may be worried that you'll be given shock treatment against your will if you seek treatment for psychiatric problems. That's why it's important to find out all you can as soon as possible.
Can dementia patients take psychiatric medications?
For people with dementia who become extremely agitated and aggressive. For women who can't take needed psychiatric medications because they're pregnant or nursing. For older adults who suffer extreme difficulty with side effects of needed psychiatric meds. For people who would rather have ECT than taking medications.
Can ECT be administered without anesthesia?
Also, the seizure is extremely brief. ECT is no longer administered without general anesthesia. One other area that has changed recently is the type and use of equipment.
How to Prepare for a Shock Treatment
A full physical is generally needed before shock therapy. Because general anesthesia will be administered, one should not eat or drink 8-12 hours before the shock treatment. This helps to prevent any vomiting during the procedure.
How Shock Therapy is Performed
Shock therapy is performed in a hospital, sometimes in an area specifically set aside for this treatment. An intravenous (IV) is inserted to provide anesthetic medication. Vital signs are taken initially and continuously throughout the shock therapy treatment.
How Shock Therapy Feels
When you awake from the anesthesia, you may be confused and tired. You will likely experience short-term memory loss around the time of the procedure. With multiple treatments, this may increase.
Why Shock Therapy is Performed
It is most common to see shock therapy used in severe cases of depression. Shock therapy is also performed to improve the condition of the following disorders: 1
Risks Associated with Shock Therapy (ECT)
The complications associated with ECT / shock therapy are often related to electrode placement with bilateral placement (an electrode by each temple) typically showing greater unwanted cognitive effects than unilateral placement (one electrode at the temple and the other on the forehead).
Normal Results After Shock Treatment
Shock treatment for depression often produces a dramatic improvement in symptoms, especially in elderly individuals, sometimes during the first week of treatment. While it is estimated many of these patients will experience a future return of depression symptoms, the prognosis for each episode of depression is good.
What is electro shock therapy?
Electroshock therapy, also known as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), is a treatment for severe major depression, bipolar depression, and other mental health conditions. Psychiatrists may recommend ECT when a person does not respond well to other treatments. ECT uses electric currents to stimulate a person’s brain to induce a controlled seizure.
Why do doctors recommend ECT?
However, doctors recommend ECT for some people because it is low risk and carries few side effects. Researchers are still not sure how ECT works, but they understand that it has many effects on the brain, including increasing blood flow and triggering the release of neurotransmitters and hormones.
How does ECT work?
ECT uses electric currents to stimulate a person’s brain to induce a controlled seizure. Researchers do not exactly know how ECT works, but one theory is that it could regulate neurotransmitter activity. This article looks at how ECT works, whether it is an effective treatment, and its controversial history. It also discusses some alternative ...
How long does an ECT last?
An ECT session may last for about 1 hour, which includes 15–20 minutes for the procedure and 20–30 minutes of recovery time. A person may receive ECT two or three times a week for a total of between six and 12 sessions. The frequency and number of sessions will differ among individuals depending on the severity of the condition and ...
Is ECT a good treatment for schizophrenia?
ECT can be an effective therapy for treatment-re sistant mental health conditions , including depression, schizophrenia, and catatonia. It is a very old psychiatric treatment and has a controversial history. However, doctors recommend ECT for some people because it is low risk and carries few side effects.
Is ECT a good treatment?
ECT is an effective treatment option for people who do not feel better after taking medication or going through therapy. For most people, it is a low risk procedure that has a powerful antidepressant effect, which could last for years#N#Trusted Source#N#.
Is TMS better than ECT?
However, TMS is the only technique that researchers have directly compared with ECT, and ECT produced better outcomes for people with depression.
Terminology
Mechanism
- The brain is still not well understood, nor is the reason for the treatment effects ECT (shock) therapy has on some individuals. It is known that ECT affects hormones, neuropeptides, neurotrophic factors, and neurotransmitters in the brain. All of this may come together to explain how ECT works in treatment.
Preparation
- A full physical is generally needed before shock therapy. Because general anesthesia will be administered, one should not eat or drink 8-12 hours before the shock treatment. This helps to prevent any vomiting during the procedure. Other exams like an electrocardiogram (ECG) may also be given before ECT to ensure the procedure is safe and appropriate.
Treatment
- Shock therapy is performed in a hospital, sometimes in an area specifically set aside for this treatment. An intravenous (IV) is inserted to provide anesthetic medication. Vital signs are taken initially and continuously throughout the shock therapy treatment. An anesthesiologist administers anesthesia and after you are asleep, places a tube in your throat to help you breathe…
Results
- When you awake from the anesthesia, you may be confused and tired. You will likely experience short-term memory loss around the time of the procedure. With multiple treatments, this may increase. Adverse cognitive effects tend to be the most concerning factors around ECT and tend to affect the frequency and duration of treatments and whether ECT is offered at all. Your vital si…
Uses
- It is most common to see shock therapy used in severe cases of depression. Shock therapy is also performed to improve the condition of the following disorders:1
Risks
- The complications associated with ECT / shock therapy are often related to electrode placement with bilateral placement (an electrode by each temple) typically showing greater unwanted cognitive effects than unilateral placement (one electrode at the temple and the other on the forehead). Risks of shock therapy include slow heart beat (bradycardia) and rapid heartbeat (tac…
Prognosis
- Shock treatment for depression often produces a dramatic improvement in symptoms, especially in elderly individuals, sometimes during the first week of treatment. While it is estimated many of these patients will experience a future return of depression symptoms, the prognosis for each episode of depression is good. Mania also often responds well to shock treatment. The picture i…