Treating depression with electroconvulsive therapy

Yes, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is useful in treating patients having severe depression. In this procedure electric current is passed through the brain. With this there is production of controlled convulsions. However, this treatment is not for people with mild or moderate depression. It is for very severe forms of depression where the patient does not respond properly to antidepressants and where there is high risk of suicide.

ECT is believed to give relief in depression within 1-2 weeks. This procedure works by release of neurochemicals in the brain due to controlled convulsions or seizures. This treatment is given in the hospital under anesthesia. And thus the patient will not feel discomfort and pain. An electrical current is passed to the brain which normally lasts for around 20-90 seconds. This treatment is popular these days because there are many positive modifications made in this treatment to make it convenient and simple. There are no side effects as such except for short term memory loss. Normally, after the patient becomes fine post treatment within a week or more, he will only be required to take antidepressants or continue with maintenance ECT occasionally. However, it is vital to talk to the concerned doctor first.