ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY

ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY (ECT)
An electrical current delivered to the temporal part of the brain to produce a grandmal seizure.
Also Known As: Electroshock, electroshock therapy, shock therapy

INDICATIONS:
1. Major depression: ECT is appropriate treatment when associated with non-response to an adequate trial of antidepressants, high suicide potential, dehydration, depressive stupor, catatonia and delusions.
2. Prophylaxis of recurrent major depression like maintenance ECT
3. Severe mania not controlled by medications.
4. Post-partum psychosis after non-responsive to antidepressants.
5. Schizophrenia-catatonic type when non-responsive to medications.
6. Movement disorders refractory to treatment like Parkinson’s disease, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and tardive dyskinesia.

BENEFITS:
1. About 80 of patients who receive a full course of treatment with ECT find rapid relief from their symptoms.
2. ECT works for patients who have not had success with other treatments.