
When to stop ECT treatments?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure that passes a small electric current through your brain to treat depression and other debilitating behavioral health illnesses. In many cases, ECT can significantly reduce or even reverse symptoms such as severe depression, suicidal thoughts, mania and catatonia.
How effective is ECT therapy?
At Aurora Behavioral Health System, we offer ECT therapy to treat mental health disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Patients at our Glendale and Tempe, Arizona, locations will receive the following program benefits: An initial consultation within 72 hours. Outpatient appointments within 24 to 72 hours.
How many ECT treatments are needed?
Experts at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital have extensive experience in providing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). It is considered the most common treatment for drug resistant depression. ECT is a procedure performed under general anesthesia.
How much does ECT treatment cost?
Patients suffering from major depression who have not had success with other treatments may benefit from Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) at Holly Hill …

How much does a ECT cost?
Another issue that may limit use of ECT is its cost, estimated at $300 to $1000 per treatment. With 5 to 15 treatments per initial course and 10 to 20 maintenance treatments per year, the annual cost of ECT can exceed $10 000 vs several hundred dollars for many antidepressant medications.May 9, 2018
How do you qualify for ECT?
Any adult age 18 or older with an appropriate clinical diagnosis and who is capable of giving voluntary informed consent can receive ECT. Others, including adolescents between 13 and 17 years of age, may receive ECT after special reviews and legal procedures are followed.
Is ECT done in the hospital?
Each year hundreds of patients are treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. This procedure can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Johns Hopkins now provides ECT treatment with ultra-brief pulses to reduce cognitive side-effects.
Who is not a candidate for ECT?
Not everyone is a candidate for treatment even if they believe ECT could help them. For example, children under age eleven cannot undergo ECT for mental health disorders. People with heart conditions and people who cannot handle short-acting sedatives or muscle relaxers should not undergo ECT treatments.
When should ECT not be used?
Do not use electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) routinely for people with moderate depression but consider it if their depression has not responded to multiple drug treatments and psychological treatment.
What mental illness does ECT treat?
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.
Do you have to be admitted to hospital for ECT?
People often believed that they had to be admitted to hospital to have ECT, but staying in hospital is not always necessary, and people can have treatments like ECT as an outpatient.
What is the success rate of ECT?
What is the Success Rate of Electroconvulsive Therapy? ECT is an effective medical treatment option, helping as many as 80-85 percent of patients who receive it. Most patients remain well for many months afterwards.
Can you have ECT as an outpatient?
It's more common to have ECT as an inpatient in a hospital, which means you will stay in hospital overnight. But outpatient treatment is sometimes possible – this means you won't have to stay overnight.
Is ECT worth the risk?
Risk Assessment of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Clinical Routine: A 3-Year Analysis of Life-Threatening Events in More Than 3,000 Treatment Sessions. Background: Extensive research has reported that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be highly effective in approximately 80% of patients suffering from depression.Nov 23, 2021
Can ECT cure anxiety?
ECT is not used to treat anxiety and therefore does not have a role in people who have solely an anxiety disorder. ECT may have a role in people who have comorbid depression and anxiety.Mar 22, 2020
Is ECT better than antidepressants?
These sessions improve depression in 70 to 90 percent of patients, a response rate much higher than that of antidepressant drugs. Although ECT is effective, its benefits are short-lived. For this reason, patients take antidepressant medication after ECT or may continue receiving ECT periodically to prevent relapse.
What do you do before ECT?
Before ECT, you receive medicine to relax you (muscle relaxant). You also receive a short-acting anesthetic to minimize any pain. The medical team places electrodes on your scalp to monitor your brain activity and deliver the electric current.
How long does it take to get an ECT?
ECT itself takes about five to 10 minutes, with added time for preparation and recovery.
What is electroconvulsive therapy?
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) If you or someone you love suffers from a severe behavioral health condition and other treatments have not worked, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can often provide rapid relief to help you feel better and improve your quality of life. ECT can help symptoms of severe depression, bipolar disorder, mania and more. ...
What are the side effects of ECT?
Side Effects. Risks and side effects may include confusion, memory loss, physical side effects and medical complications. These risks will vary by patient. Discuss your ECT treatment plan and its potential risks and side effects with your doctor.
Is ECT safe for depression?
ECT – Safe and Effective. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure that passes a small electric current through your brain to treat depression and other debilitating behavioral health illnesses . In many cases, ECT can significantly reduce or even reverse symptoms such as severe depression, suicidal thoughts, mania and catatonia.
Can ECT be done in a hospital?
You may be a candidate for ECT if medication or other treatments have not worked. ECT is done in a hospital setting while you are under general anesthesia.
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How often do you get ECT?
In the United States, ECT treatments are generally given two to three times weekly for three to four weeks — for a total of six to 12 treatments. Some doctors use a newer technique called right unilateral ultrabrief pulse electroconvulsive therapy that's done daily on weekdays.
What is ECT used for?
ECT is used to treat: Severe depression, particularly when accompanied by detachment from reality (psychosis), a desire to commit suicide or refusal to eat. Treatment-resistant depression, a severe depression that doesn't improve with medications or other treatments. Severe mania, a state of intense euphoria, agitation or hyperactivity ...
What is ECT in medical terms?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure, done under general anesthesia, in which small electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental health conditions.
Why is electroconvulsive therapy 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. Treatment-resistant depression, ...
How long after ECT can you drive?
However, some people may be advised not to return to work, make important decisions, or drive until one to two weeks after the last ECT in a series, or for at least 24 hours after a single treatment during maintenance therapy.
What is a blood pressure cuff?
A blood pressure cuff placed around one ankle stops the muscle relaxant medication from entering your foot and affecting the muscles there. When the procedure begins, your doctor can monitor seizure activity by watching for movement in that foot.
What is the term for a lack of movement, fast or strange movements, lack of speech, and other symptoms?
Catatonia, characterized by lack of movement, fast or strange movements, lack of speech, and other symptoms. It's associated with schizophrenia and certain other psychiatric disorders. In some cases, catatonia is caused by a medical illness.
How to contact ECT therapy?
To contact us immediately or make a referral, call our 24/7 Admissions Line at (877) 870-7012. We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our ECT therapy programs.
How effective is ECT?
A key benefit of ECT therapy is its high level of effectiveness. Studies show that ECT is 80% effective on average, and in some trials, ECT is 90% effective. Additionally, ECT is one of only three psychiatric treatments that decrease a patient’s chance of suicide.
How effective is electroconvulsive therapy?
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective treatments for mental health conditions. ECT has a success rate of over 80%, and the therapy can result in improvements to a patient’s mental health conditions quickly. Many patients experience symptom remission in just one to three weeks after treatment.
What are the benefits of ECT?
At Aurora Behavioral Health System, we offer ECT therapy to treat mental health disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Patients at our Glendale and Tempe, Arizona, locations will receive the following program benefits: 1 An initial consultation within 72 hours. 2 Outpatient appointments within 24 to 72 hours. 3 Access to the latest ECT therapy technology, including the MECTA Spectrum Ultrabrief® 5000Q® device. This device reduces short-term memory loss from ECT treatment via its new optimized dosing parameters. The MECTA device also includes Duke University EEG seizure quality measurement features. 4 Access to board-certified psychiatrists and board-certified anesthesiologists. Our team members have worked together for over a decade. 5 Time for family members and friends to meet with the ECT psychiatrists and anesthesiologists before each ECT treatment. 6 Access to family members and friends up until the time of anesthesia. 7 Time with the ECT clinicians after treatment to address any questions or concerns.
How does ECT affect the brain?
ECT impacts the brain’s metabolism and blood flow patterns. Clinicians believe that these changes can positively impact areas of the brain responsible for the patient’s mental health conditions. Additionally, ECT causes a large release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, and others.
How long does it take for a person to go into remission after ECT?
Many patients experience symptom remission in just one to three weeks after treatment. In addition to being an effective treatment option for mental health conditions, ECT is also a safe option. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) have approved ECT therapy for clinical use.
What does it mean when a clinician does not have to worry about the interaction between treatment medication and other medications?
Sometimes, clinicians have to worry about potential sexual health issues, weight gain, and other side effects when patients are on several medications.
How long does it take to recover from ECT?
Following treatment, patients are monitored in the recovery room for about 30 to 45 minutes. They then return to their hospital room or go home with another adult. ECT is usually administered two to three times a week for about 10 to 15 treatments, depending on the response and tolerance.
What is TMS treatment?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression. It uses a magnet placed close to the left front area of the patient's head. The patient is awake and sitting in a comfortable treatment chair.
How to contact UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital?
For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Center for Interventional Psychiatry, please call 412-246-5063 .
How long does it take to get a seizure under anesthesia?
After the seizure, the patient wakes up gradually and starts breathing as the anesthesia medications wear off. The full procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
What is the purpose of an EKG and pulse oximeter?
The patient is connected to an EKG, blood pressure cuff, and pulse oximeter to monitor of vital signs throughout the procedure. A nurse anesthetist provides oxygen throughout the treatment as the patient won't be breathing on their own.
What is IV line?
Typically, an intravenous (IV) line is started and the patient is taken into the treatment room. An anesthesiologist administers two medications — a short-acting anesthetic to make the patient sleep and a short-acting muscle relaxant to temporarily paralyze the patient and minimize movement during treatment.
Is it safe to do ECT?
Done under brief general anesthesia, ECT is much safer today than it was in the past. ECT may also be used to treat catatonia — a serious condition leading to mutism, posturing, and limited movements. Since patients eat very little and do not move, they are at risk for bed sores and other complications.
What to do after ECT?
After your ECT course, medications will likely be required as maintenance therapy to help prevent a return of your illness. ECT cannot resolve other problems associated with personal relationships or how an individual copes with the stressors of life. Other interventions such as psychotherapy may be recommended.
What is electroconvulsive therapy?
Despite these advances, not everyone experiences the same success. Electroconvulsive Therapy is an option for patients who have not responded to traditional therapies and medication. Electroconvulsive Therapy treatment can provide rapid, significant improvements in symptoms of several mental health conditions, with more than half of severely treatment-resistant patients achieving remission*.
What is the number to call Holly Hill Hospital?
For more information on our adult ECT program and Holly Hill Hospital’s inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment programs, or to schedule an assessment, please contact us at 919-900-5439.
Do you have to wait in your car for ECT?
All patients will be required to wear their own mask or face covering at all times while in the facility. Patient’s support person will be required to wait in his/her vehicle for the duration of the ECT consultation and/or treatment.
Is ECT effective for schizophrenia?
ECT can be an effective treatment modality when psychotherapy and antidepressant medications are unsuccessful. ECT provides rapid, effective and significant improvements in patients with symptoms of severe and treatment-resistant depression or schizophrenia.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy, also known as ECT or electroshock therapy, may be a viable treatment program for consenting adult patients with severe depression who are not responding to anti-depressant medications. It is also sometimes used for patients diagnosed with psychosis, catatonia, or bipolar disorder.
Breaking through Misconceptions About ECT
In the past, electroshock therapy had more severe side effects that caused many patients to reject it as a treatment option. In recent years, there have been many improvements in ECT. Temporary side effects of today’s ECT may include:
Electroconvulsive Therapy Treatment
Einstein’s electroconvulsive therapy program for patients in the Philadelphia area require several sessions (typically three per week) to realize the full therapeutic benefit of treatment. Usually, a course of six to 12 treatments is required over two to four weeks.
What is ECT therapy?
Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is a procedure that uses low-frequency electrical currents to alter brain chemistry. This treatment often reverses the symptoms of severe psychiatric conditions even if other treatments, such as medications, have not been successful. Conditions we treat with ECT include: Depression. Schizophrenia.
When was electroconvulsive therapy first used?
Electroconvulsive therapy has been available since the 1930s. In the past, it was called electroshock therapy and used a strong electric current. Today’s ECT is nothing like the procedures used decades ago. We now use sophisticated machines that deliver tiny pulses of electricity.
What is ECT treatment?
ECT treatment involves a series of treatments performed in a dedicated surgical suite with a team of health professionals, i.e., a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist and nurses, who are experienced in ECT treatment and care, and is offered as an inpatient or outpatient treatment option; or an occasional overnight stay.
What is ECT therapy?
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), is a modern, safe, treatment for certain severe psychiatric disorders. By causing a series of short, painless, brain seizures under general anesthesia, ECT is highly effective for those suffering from: 1 Mania 2 Mixed bipolar states 3 Acute psychotic disorders 4 Catatonia (regardless of etiology) 5 Mood and psychotic disorders are secondary to certain medical conditions 6 Severe major depression in patients who need a rapid, definitive response (e.g. those who are psychotic, suicidal, suffering marked functional decline, or who are developing deterioration in medical status due to depression); and
What is ECT in medical terms?
ECT is also recommended for those who have been refractory to or intolerant of medication treatment.
Who is the leader of ECT?
ECT is offered under the leadership of Robert M. Greenberg, MD, an internationally recognized expert in the field of ECT and the Past President of the International Society for ECT and Neurostimulation (ISEN). Dr. Greenberg specializes in Geriatric Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry and Electroconvulsive Therapy for the treatment of severe neuropsychiatric disorders. Dr. Greenberg’s clinical and research interests are focused on the treatment of severe mood disorders in the elderly and prevention of relapse, and optimizing the safety and efficacy of ECT.
Who is Dr. Greenberg?
Greenberg is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine. For a patient referral, appointment or consultation, call 973-322-0220 . Our Quality.

Overview
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure, done under general anesthesia, in which small electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental health conditions. ECT often works when other treatments are unsucce...
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: 1. Severe depression,particularly when accompanied by detachment from reality (psychosis), a desire to commit suicide or refusal to eat. 2. Treatment-resistant depression,a severe depression that doesn't improve with medications o…
Risks
- Although ECT is generally safe, risks and side effects may include: 1. Confusion.Immediately after treatment, you may experience confusion, which can last from a few minutes to several hours. You may not know where you are or why you're there. Rarely, confusion may last several days or longer. Confusion is generally more noticeable in older adults. 2. Memory loss.Some people hav…
How You Prepare
- Before having your first ECT treatment, you'll need a full evaluation, which usually includes: 1. Medical history 2. Complete physical exam 3. Psychiatric assessment 4. Basic blood tests 5. Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart health 6. Discussion of the risks of anesthesia These exams help make sure that ECT is safe for you.
What You Can Expect
- The ECT procedure takes about five to 10 minutes, with added time for preparation and recovery. ECT can be done while you're hospitalized or as an outpatient procedure.
Results
- Many people begin to notice an improvement in their symptoms after about six treatments with electroconvulsive therapy. Full improvement may take longer, though ECT may not work for everyone. Response to antidepressant medications, in comparison, can take several weeks or more. No one knows for certain how ECT helps treat severe depression and other mental illness…