Electroconvulsive Therapy Program (ECT)
Looking for a treatment alternative for patients who suffer from severe clinical depression, mania or other chronic mental health illnesses?
At UTMC we offer Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), the most advanced treatment approach for individuals for whom mediations or psychotherapy alone hasn’t worked.
What is ECT?
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a highly effective, generally low risk procedure used for certain psychiatric disorders, primarily severe clinical depression, mania and some forms of schizophrenia. It involves the use of a brief, controlled electrical current to induce a seizure within the brain. This is believed to result in certain biochemical changes that may cause remission in the episode of illness. The procedure is performed with the patient under general anesthesia using a muscle relaxant to ensure a safe controlled seizure.
Who Can Benefit from ECT?
ECT is an alternative treatment for patients who have not responded well to medication alone. It can be used in conjunction with medication therapy for:
- severe depression
- mania
- schizophrenia
- catatonia and/or non-response to psychotropic drugs or when medications cannot be used
- emergency treatment for acutely suicidal patients
The procedure is generally safe for all ages, including older adults, and may be a treatment option if criteria for ECT is met and the patient is medically cleared to have general anesthesia.
What Can I Expect?
ECT starts with an inpatient or outpatient “index” series, consisting of treatment three times each week, for an average of 6-12 treatments. If indicated, maintenance ECT is given on an outpatient basis at specified less frequent intervals after the completion of the index ECT series to maintain clinical improvement and prevent recurrence or relapse. Maintainance ECT is generally discontinued when the patient has achieved control of target symptoms.
What are the Side Effects of ECT?
For most patients, the side effects of ECT are relatively minor. The most common side effects include headache, muscle soreness, nausea, temporary confusion and memory difficulties.
How Can I be Referred?
Referrals must come from physicians, psychologist, mental health professionals, social workers and social service agencies.
To make a referral or for more information about ECT Therapy, call our Adult Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic at 419.383.5695.
Our Team
Our ECT team has received expert training, and currently conducts treatment on an inpatient and outpatient basis. We have seen great success in restoring our patients’ abilities to function at levels not maintained through medication alone.
We encourage our patients to make educated, informed decisions when considering ECT as a treatment option, and we welcome the active involvement of family and medical providers as the patient decides whether this treatment is right for them.