Electroconvulsive therapy – ECT

Electroconvulsive therapy – ECT

ECT is a safe and effective medical treatment that has been in use for more than 80 years. While the techniques and delivery methods used have changed, and become much for effective, the basic premise has remained the same- deliver a brief electrical stimulation to the brain, while the patient is under anesthesia.

ECT is frequently and successfully used for treatment of issues that have proven difficult to treat using standard procedures, and treatment resistant mental health disorders. Severe depression, mania, bi-polar disorder even suicidal tendencies can be safely and effectively treated using ECT. ECT remains one of the fastest ways to treat severely depressed patients.

ECT has long suffered a bad reputation, as depicted in movies such as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. The reality-ECT is a safe and effective treatment. Just like all technology, ECT has come a long way since the 1950’s, and when used in conjunction with traditional therapies and medication, Electroconvulsive Therapy is one of the most effective tools in treating the most severe and difficult mental health issues.