What is ECT?
ECT is a modern medical procedure that is used to provide rapid relief to those suffering with severe symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions.
Who should consider ECT?
Patients whom should consider ECT are those with depression, medication resistant depression, or for other symptoms as recommended by your physician.
What is considered Medication resistant depression?
A lack of therapeutic response to two courses of antidepressants
Is ECT safe?
Yes, ECT is a very safe procedure. The patient is closely supervised through out the entire procedure by an ECT physician, a Board Certified anesthesiologist and a highly trained Registered Nurse.
Does the patient feel any discomfort during treatment?
No, the patient is given anesthesia and is unaware of the treatment.
Is ECT covered by Insurance?
Yes, most insurances cover ECT treatment.
Is ECT ever considered as a first line treatment?
Yes, in certain situations ECT would be considered as a first line treatment option. The option of ECT can be offered at anytime in a patient's treatment plan depending on the severity of the patient's symptoms.
What is different about ECT then in the past?
There are many differences with current ECT administration. ECT has advanced as other medical procedures have over the years.
What are other benefits of ECT?
Early treatment with ECT can result in reduced loss work time, lack of need for hospitalization; reduce cost of medications, reduction in side effects from multiple medications or higher levels of medications
What are the possible side effects of ECT?
Possible side effects include headache, body aches and short term memory loss. These side effects are individual and not everyone will experience them. Prolonged or long term memory losses are rare.
Is ECT appropriate for Patient's with a Bipolar diagnosis?
Yes, it can be very effective for Bipolar symptoms
Do I still see my regular outpatient psychiatrist?
Yes, if you are receiving outpatient ECT you need to keep regular appointments to assess progress and continue with medication management with your outpatient Psychiatrist. We will send a report to your outpatient psychiatrist after each treatment.
Do I need to take time off of work during the ECT series?
During the series treatment we suggest taking a leave from work. This would be the same recommendation for most medical interventions such as hernia repair, carpal tunnel repair, etc. If a patient is demonstrating short term memory loss, we would also recommend cessation of driving until the memory returns. We definitely recommend that the patient does not work nor drive the day of ECT treatment.
How many treatments would be given?
Everyone is different and requires an individualized course of treatment. Initially, treatment would be administered three times per week (typically every Monday, Wednesday and Friday) for approx 6 to 12 treatments. The number of treatments is determined on improvement of symptoms.
What if I still have concerns regarding ECT treatment?
Having the facts about ECT leads to having fewer misconceptions. We are happy to provide you with education and to answer any questions you may have.
For more information call Princeton House Behavioral Health ECT Suite at 609-497-2673. You may also email you questions to ljohnson@princetonhcs.org