What is ECT?
Electroconvulsive Therapy, more commonly known as “ECT”, is a medical treatment for severe mental illnesses that can only be carried out by trained health professionals.
How does it work?
The brain works through complex electrochemical processes. These processes may be affected by certain types of mental illnesses. It is believed that ECT works by causing the brain to have a seizure(a short period of irregular brain activity) when an electrical current is given. This seizure releases many chemicals in the brain. The release of these chemicals makes the brain cells work better and improves the patient’s mood.
Who is it used for?
ECT is generally used for severely depressed patients when other forms of therapy such as medications or psychotherapy:
- have not been effective
- cannot be tolerated
- cannot help patient quickly enough in life threatening situations
ECT is also used for :
- most forms of mania(a mood disorder associated with grandiose, hyperactive irrational and destructive behaviour)
- schizophrenia
- a few other mental and neurological disorders
ECT is safe for pregnant women who suffer from depression or mania.