Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): What You Need to Know
Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is a medical treatment that uses a brief electric current to trigger a short seizure in the brain. It sounds scary, but doctors use it to help people whose mental health symptoms haven’t improved with meds or talk therapy. In the US and many other countries, ECT is a standard option for severe depression, bipolar mania, and some forms of schizophrenia.
How ECT Works
During an ECT session, you’ll be given a short‑acting anesthetic and a muscle relaxant so you don’t feel pain or move. Electrodes are placed on your scalp, and a controlled electric pulse lasts only a few seconds. The pulse causes a brief, controlled seizure that changes the way brain chemicals work. This reset can lift mood, reduce hallucinations, and calm extreme agitation.
Preparing for Your ECT Session
Before the first appointment, the team will review your medical history, current meds, and any heart or lung issues. You’ll need to fast for a few hours because of the anesthesia. On the day of treatment, bring a caretaker – you’ll be groggy afterward and may need help getting home. Most clinics give a clear checklist so you know exactly what to bring and what to expect.
ECT is usually given two to three times a week for a series of 6‑12 sessions. The exact number depends on how you respond. Your doctor will track mood scores and side‑effects after each treatment to decide when it’s safe to stop.
One of the biggest advantages of ECT is speed. Many patients feel a noticeable mood lift after just a few sessions, something that can take weeks or months with medication. It’s also an option when drugs cause severe side‑effects or when the illness is life‑threatening, such as suicidal depression.
However, ECT isn’t without risks. The most common short‑term side‑effects are headache, muscle soreness, and brief memory loss for events around the treatment days. Some people notice gaps in memory for older events, but these usually improve over weeks to months. Serious complications—like prolonged seizures or heart problems—are rare when the procedure is done by experienced teams.
During the actual treatment, you’ll be monitored with an electrocardiogram and blood pressure cuff. The seizure shown on the EEG lasts about 30‑60 seconds, but you’ll be asleep the whole time. After the electrodes are removed, you’ll stay in a recovery area until the anesthetic wears off. Most people feel better than before the session within an hour.
Recovery after ECT is generally quick. You may feel confused or sleepy for a few hours, so having someone to stay with you is helpful. Most patients go back to normal activities the next day, though it’s wise to avoid driving or making big decisions until you’re fully alert.
There are many myths about ECT—like it being a punishment or a “shock therapy” from the 1950s. Modern ECT is safe, regulated, and far more precise than the old methods. It’s also covered by most insurance plans for the right diagnoses.
If you or a loved one is considering ECT, talk openly with the psychiatrist about the pros, cons, and what the treatment schedule will look like. Knowing the facts helps you make an informed choice and reduces anxiety about the process.
