Electroconvulsive Therapy
ECT is a medical treatment for severe depression, bipolar disorder and psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia.
What is ECT?
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment performed under general anaesthetic that has been shown to rapidly relieves symptoms of severe psychiatric disorders. The treatment involves the delivery of a small, pulsed electrical current to the brain to intentionally induce a therapeutic seizure. Current evidence suggests that ECT may adjust brain functioning, and these changes can assist in improving the symptoms of severe depression and other mental illnesses (RANZCP, 2019).
Modern ECT is a safe and evidence-based treatment. Substantial developments and improvements in the delivery have been made based on findings from clinical research and its effectiveness has been demonstrated via clinical trials (Goldberg 2022).
When is ECT Used?
ECT can be considered as a treatment option when other therapies have not been successful, or when someone is so severely ill that a delay to recovery could be harmful (as ECT tends to work more rapidly than other treatments). Your Dr will discuss treatment options with you and your family/ carers. Before being considered for ECT you will be assessed by a second psychiatrist and have a medical review to ensure you are suitable for this treatment. You will be kept informed throughout this process.
References
- Goldberg, J. F. (2022). Electroconvulsive therapy: still the gold standard for highly treatment-resistant mood disorders. CNS spectrums, 27(5), 525-526.
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), (2019). Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) position statement. https://www.ranzcp.org/clinical-guidelines-publications/clinical-guidelines-publications-library/electroconvulsive-therapy-ect