ECT therapy

Question

I recently heard about ECT therapy (Electroconvulsive Therapy) being used for severe depression, and I was surprised because I thought it was an outdated treatment. But apparently, it’s still used today. How does ECT therapy actually work, and why is it recommended for some patients but not others?

From what I read, ECT therapy involves sending electrical currents to the brain to induce a seizure. This sounds intense—doesn’t that cause damage to brain cells? How does a seizure help with conditions like major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia? I also read that some people experience memory loss after treatment. Is that permanent, or does memory return over time?

I also wonder when doctors decide to use ECT therapy instead of medication or talk therapy. Is it only for patients who have treatment-resistant depression, or do some people choose it as a first option? Also, is ECT only used for depression, or does it help with other mental health conditions like PTSD or OCD?

Another thing I worry about is how safe the procedure is. I read that ECT therapy is done under anesthesia, but how long does the actual treatment last? Do patients feel anything during the procedure, or is it completely painless? How many sessions does someone need before seeing results?

For those who have undergone ECT therapy, what was your experience like? Did it help improve your condition, or were the side effects too difficult to deal with?

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev · Accepted Answer

ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) is still a recommended treatment for severe cases of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, particularly when other treatments haven’t been effective. During the procedure, controlled electrical currents are used to induce a seizure under anesthesia. While this sounds alarming, the seizure is actually believed to help reset brain activity, improving mood and cognitive function. It doesn't cause damage to brain cells when performed correctly, but it does require careful monitoring.

Memory loss is a potential side effect, typically affecting short-term memory. While it can be temporary, some individuals may experience lasting memory gaps, but many see improvement over time.

ECT is usually considered when depression is severe and resistant to other treatments like medication or therapy. It’s not commonly a first-line treatment. It’s not only for depression; it can also be helpful for conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

The procedure itself is done under anesthesia and is painless. Treatment sessions are typically brief, lasting only a few minutes, though multiple sessions over weeks are often needed to see results.

ECT therapy - #6657

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