Depression is one of the most common psychiatric
problems. While many people with depression respond to antidepressants,
not all do, or they may suffer negative side effects. These are
some of the people that Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) can benefit.
ECT is considered to be one of the most effective treatments now
available for depression and has been very helpful for patients
who might otherwise have required lengthy hospitalizations or
very high doses of medication.
Treatment
The ECT team consists of a Psychiatrist who
has had specialized training in the use of ECT and an Anesthesiologist
or Nurse Anesthesiologist. A Mental Health Recovery Room Nurse
may also be present.
Before breakfast, and after your stomach has
been empty for at least eight hours, you will be taken to your
room. During the procedure a controlled electrical stimulus is
passed through the brain to induce a seizure. Because of the anesthesiology,
you will not feel it and will probably not remember it.
Patients usually require less than 12 treatments,
given in the morning three times a week. After the final treatment,
you may still require hospitalization or be discharged. You should
be careful NOT to drink alcohol or use recreational drugs at this
time. This convalescent period usually lasts two to three weeks.
If you have other questions about Electroconvulsive
Therapy, contact your health care provider or call Munson Healthcare’s
Behavioral Health Services at (231) 935-6382
or 1-800-662-6766.
Behavioral Health Services 1105 Sixth Street Traverse City, MI 49684
Munson Healthcare Behavioral Health Services
is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations and is licensed by the Michigan Department of Consumer
& Industry Services.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
