Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Mental Illness
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Mental Illness
Before ECT is considered, you should discuss all available treatment options for your condition with your doctor. If ECT is recommended, you should receive a complete medical examination including a history, physical and neurological exams, an ECG (heart test), and lab tests. Your medication history should be carefully evaluated and monitored.
If you are considering ECT as a treatment option, be advised that it may provide temporary improvement but has a high relapse rate unless a medicine or other treatment is then used to prevent relapse. Many doctors advocate follow-up treatment that includes medicine or ECT given at less regular intervals, called "maintenance ECT." Short-term memory loss is the major side effect, although this usually goes away within a few weeks after treatment ends.
You should be educated and informed about ECT and any treatment prior to receiving it. Ask for educational materials and have an honest discussion with your doctor about ECT's potential benefits and side effects.
In this article
- Why Is ECT Used?
- How Is ECT Performed?
- Controversy Surrounding ECT
- Making an Informed Decision About ECT
Making an Informed Decision About ECT
Before ECT is considered, you should discuss all available treatment options for your condition with your doctor. If ECT is recommended, you should receive a complete medical examination including a history, physical and neurological exams, an ECG (heart test), and lab tests. Your medication history should be carefully evaluated and monitored.
If you are considering ECT as a treatment option, be advised that it may provide temporary improvement but has a high relapse rate unless a medicine or other treatment is then used to prevent relapse. Many doctors advocate follow-up treatment that includes medicine or ECT given at less regular intervals, called "maintenance ECT." Short-term memory loss is the major side effect, although this usually goes away within a few weeks after treatment ends.
You should be educated and informed about ECT and any treatment prior to receiving it. Ask for educational materials and have an honest discussion with your doctor about ECT's potential benefits and side effects.
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