Electroconvulsive Therapy - Is it an Ideal Treatment for Mental Disorders?

Formerly known as electroshock therapy and often referred to as shock treatment, Electroconvulsive therapy is a psychiatric procedure in which small electric currents are passed through the brain to intentionally trigger an epileptic seizure. This form of therapy is thought to cause changes in the brain chemistry which quickly reverse the symptoms of certain mental disorders.

Since its introduction in 1938, electroconvulsive therapy is the only form of shock therapy currently used in psychiatry. This therapy works when other treatments for mental illness have been deemed unsuccessful. It’s usually administered under general anesthesia as well as muscle relaxants which enable the patient’s muscles to twitch slightly and to prevent the body from convulsing during the electrical seizure.

Why is Electroconvulsive Therapy Done?

ECT is used to treat:

• Treatment Resistant Depression or rather depression that hasn’t improved with medications and other types of treatments.
• Severe depression which is accompanied by psychosis (refusal to eat and desire to commit suicide).
• Catatonia which is a condition characterized by fast or strange movements, lack of movement, lack of speech, and other symptoms.
• Severe Mania whose symptoms include hyperactivity, a state of intense euphoria, and agitation.
• Aggression and agitation in people with dementia.
• Women suffering from postnatal depression.

How is ECT Performed?

Before ECT is administered, the patient is sedated with a general anesthesia and a muscle relaxant to prevent movement during the treatment. During the procedure, electrodes are placed at strategic points on the head and a controlled electric current is applied. The electric current causes a seizure that often lasts less than a minute. The procedure is not painful, thanks to the anesthesia and muscle relaxant. The patient’s heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure is carefully monitored throughout the entire procedure. This treatment is administered approximately three times a week until the patient’s symptoms improve.

Does ECT Really Work?

A survey conducted by an ECT Accreditation Service which is run by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 78 ECT clinics in both England and Wales between 2012-2013 reported the following results.

Out of the 1895 courses of treatment administered in 1789 people,

• 1712 of the people showed significant improvements.
• 113 people did not show any improvements.
• The symptoms became worse for 28 people.

Of course, the treatment doesn’t work for everyone but these statistics are pretty impressive.

ECT Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with ECT include;

• Memory loss (short-term).
• Headache.
• Muscle aches.
• Upset stomach.

These symptoms improve over the days and weeks following the end of the treatment. Just like other treatments, Electroconvulsive therapy does not work overnight. It will take a few sessions of treatments to show some improvements.

Overall, it’s a great treatment alternative and most people consider it as the most useful treatment they have ever had. Furthermore, it is non-invasive and does not cause severe side effects.