What Is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?
For ECT, electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp and a finely controlled electric current is applied while the patient is under general anesthesia. The current causes a brief seizure in the brain.
Who Might Benefit From ECT?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, ECT can be beneficial and safe in the following situations:
• When a need exists for rapid treatment response, such as in pregnancy
• When a patient refuses food and that leads to nutritional deficiencies
• When a patient's depression is resistant to antidepressant therapy
• When other medical ailments prevent the use of antidepressant medication
• When the patient is in a catatonic stupor
• When the depression is accompanied by psychotic features
• When treating bipolar disorder, including both mania and depression
• When treating mania
• When treating patients who have a severe risk of suicide
• When treating patients who have had a previous response to ECT
• When treating patients with psychotic depression or psychotic mania
• When treating patients with major depression
• When treating schizophrenia
Immediate side effects
• drowsiness (you may sleep for a while)
• confusion
• headache
• feeling sick
• aching muscles
• loss of appetite
Longer term effects include:
• apathy (loss of interest in things)
• loss of creativity, drive and energy
• difficulty concentrating
• loss of emotional responses
• difficulty learning new information
Next Steps
1. Psychopharmaco therapy as per Psychiatrist
2. Counselling and Psychotherapy per RCI certified Clinical Psychologist
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Mental Health
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