Electroconvulsive Therapy: Knowing the Process

Electroconvulsive therapy is a form of treatment wherein seizures are induced in anesthetized patients for therapeutic effect. This is not the first line of treatment for depression. ECT is used only when other measures like psychiatric counseling and medications cannot help. This therapy is used to treat conditions like severe depression, catatonia, mania, schizophrenia. During treatment, the patient is anaesthetized using a short acting barbiturate.

Succinylcholine is administered to paralyze muscles temporarily. One electrode is placed above the temple, in the non dominant region of the brain and the second electrode is placed in the middle of the forehead. Sometimes, one electrode is placed above each temple. Then, a small current is passed through the brain. This activates the brain and produces a seizure. The seizure is not physically visible since the patient is anesthetized and the body is numbed by the succinylcholine.

The electric impulse is applied only for a second or lesser. During the entire process, the patients ECG and EKG are monitored and the patient breathes oxygen through a mask. The patient wakes up 10 to 15 minutes after the procedure. He may feel confused and tired initially but feels better over time. Some side effects of this therapy include confusion, memory loss, and slight cognitive impairment. This therapy can be followed by antidepressant therapy and counseling to prevent relapse.