ECT Page 2 Frequently asked questions about ECT...
1. Will the procedure hurt? No. Prior to getting ECT you will receive a muscle relaxant to prevent muscle strain from the seizure and general anesthesia so no pain is felt.2. Why has my doctor recommended ECT for me?
ECT is recommended for patients will drug resistant affective disorders and patients who are acutely suicidal and at high risk of harming themselves.
3. How effective is ECT?
ECT is proven to be effective in about 80% of people receiving it. This is more promising than most anti-depressants.
4. Is it dangerous? And how do you know if it is safe for me?
The risks of ECT are about equal to that of minor surgery with general anesthesia. About I death occurs in 10,000 patients receiving ECT. The procedure itself is administered by an experienced team of clinicians and is carefully monitored. Many
pre-ECT tests will be done to make sure ECT is safe for you. This includes blood tests, general physical, mental status exam, and an anesthesia consult. Chest x-rays and an ECG are done for older patients.
ECT causes short term memory disturbances. Long term memory is generally not affected. You may forget events surrounding the procedure and even things that happen a few days before and in between treatments. It will be difficult to remember things. This clears up in a few weeks after treatments with a return to pre-treatment functioning in 3-6 months. 5. Doesn't ECT make you lose your memory?
6. Does it cause brain damage?
No. Research shows that ECT does not cause any cellular or neurological changes in your brain.
7. What other side effects might I experience?
Along with memory disturbances, you may experience confusion, muscle soreness, headache, and nausea. Inform your doctor or nurse if you experience any of these.
8. How many ECT treatments will I need?
A series of 6-12 treatments is recommended for the greatest
effect. Your doctor will decide how many are best for you.
9. Why can't I eat or drink before the treatment?
As with a surgical procedure you should have nothing in your stomach so as to prevent anything from coming up and choking you.
The procedure takes about one hour from the time you leave the unit to the time you return. The seizure itself will only last 20-90 seconds. The rest of the time is for preparation for and recovery from the procedure. 10. How long does the procedure take?
11. When will I notice improvements from ECT?
Most people will notice improvements in their symptoms in about one to two weeks
Information Obtained From The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.