ECT is generally offered when other treatments are ineffective or there is a need for rapid response.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
What Is Shock Therapy?
Shock therapyalso known as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)is a medical treatment involving electrical stimulation of the brain.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
There are a few theories, however.
Neurons send electrical signals back and forth.
These signals tell the brain to release specific chemicals.
When the brain undergoes ECT, an increase in beneficial neurochemicals like serotonin or dopamine may be released.
Shock therapy is typically used to treat people with severe major depression or bipolar disorder.
Benefits of Shock Therapy
Most people who undergo ECT will see a noticeable change in their symptoms.
Some people will notice an immediate improvement after one session.
However, it is more common to not see or feel a significant difference in symptoms for several sessions.
The treatment also seemed to work better in older people.
It was also effective for around 73% of those in a mixed state.
There are two types.
In the first, a person may be immobile, unable to speak, and may stare unresponsively.
In the second less common form of catatonia, a person may develop agitation.
Dementia
Dementia can cause aggression and agitation in some people.
These symptoms can be life-threatening and potentially dangerous for the person’s caretakers.
Healthcare providers may consider shock therapy when medication isn’t enough to relieve these symptoms.
The schedule works out to about one month of treatment, although the course may continue for longer.
During ECT, you will be undergeneral anesthesia.
You will not be aware of what is going on while you are undergoing the treatment.
Once you are under anesthesia, electrodes will be attached to your scalp in specific locations.
The entire process lasts about one minute.
A month of ECT treatments can provide lasting improvements for many people with depression.
If you smoke, you may be asked to refrain from smoking on the day of your treatment.
Most of the side effects are temporary.
ECT is performed under anesthesia, which comes with risks of its own.
People with certain conditions may be at greater risk of serious complications when receiving shock therapy.
These include:
The use of ECT in children is controversial.
It is often considered when other treatments have not helped.
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Sackeim HA.Modern electroconvulsive therapy: Vastly improved yet greatly underused.JAMA Psychiatry.
2017;74(8):779-780. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.1670
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