Electroconvulsive: Some Things to Know

Electroconvulsive therapy is a treatment for depression in which the brain is provided electric shocks or electrical pulse to the scalp so that convulsions are produced. In this therapy the patient gets benefits within a period of 2-3 weeks i.e. some 10-12 sittings.

However, before getting into this treatment it is vital to understand that only a few people are eligible candidates for this kind of therapy. This is because, in case o mild and moderate kind of depression, antidepressants and talk therapy will be helpful. Only in case of major and severe cases of depression, where the response from other forms of treatments have failed, this treatment is recommended.

People with severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and schizophrenic syndromes are valid candidates for ECT. However, before taking up this treatment it is vital to take certain things into consideration. It includes:

Does the patient have intense risk from the psychological problem he/she is having?
Does the patient need immediate treatment and he/she has not responded well to ECT?
Does the drug treatment affect the patient negatively?
Have the patient taken ECT previously?
After check up and certain routine inquiries the doctor will decide as to whether this therapy is meant for the patient or not. In this treatment the person is given anesthesia so that the patient does not feel the pain and discomfort. There are no dangerous side effects. Only, the person may have temporary memory loss or confusion.