Electric Convulsive Therapies, also known as ECT, refer to a set of medical treatments that involve inducing controlled seizures in patients for therapeutic purposes. It is typically used to treat severe mental health conditions, particularly major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and sometimes schizophrenia.
ECT involves the administration of anesthetic drugs to temporarily induce unconsciousness and muscle relaxants to prevent any physical injuries during the procedure. Electric currents are then applied to the scalp to generate controlled seizures that last for a short duration, usually under a minute. This process is conducted under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist or an anesthesiologist.
The exact mechanisms through which Electric Convulsive Therapies work are not fully understood, but it is believed that the induced seizures influence neurotransmitter activity in the brain and stimulate the release of certain chemicals that restore mental health balance. The treatment is usually administered in a series of sessions, spaced out over several weeks. The specific number of sessions depends on the severity of the condition and the individual's response to treatment.
While Electric Convulsive Therapies have proven effective in relieving symptoms of severe mental illnesses, including depression and acute psychosis, the procedure may have side effects. These can include confusion, memory loss, headache, muscle soreness, and occasionally more serious medical complications. Therefore, the decision to undergo ECT is carefully considered by the medical team and the patient, weighing the potential benefits against the potential risks.
