Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical intervention used to address certain serious mental health conditions, particularly in cases where medications or psychotherapy alone have proven ineffective. ECT involves delivering carefully controlled electrical currents to the brain, which intentionally induces a brief seizure. This process results in changes to brain chemistry that can relieve severe mental health symptoms.
ECT is an FDA-approved treatment for several critical psychiatric conditions, including:
- Major Depressive Disorder
ECT is often recommended for depression with severe symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or catatonia, especially when fast symptom relief is crucial.
- Bipolar Disorder
ECT is effective for both depressive and manic phases in bipolar disorder, especially when symptoms are severe or resistant to other treatments.
- Schizophrenia
In some cases, ECT is used alongside antipsychotic medications for patients who haven’t responded sufficiently to these medications alone.
- Catatonia
ECT is highly effective for treating catatonia, a severe condition marked by extreme immobility and behavioral changes. Catatonia may occur in schizophrenia, mood disorders, or as part of other medical conditions.
Though these are the main FDA-approved applications for ECT, it’s also sometimes used off-label for other resistant or severe psychiatric conditions when standard treatments have been unsuccessful.
If you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health, it may be time to seek mental health services in San Diego. Speaking to a provider at Sacred Psychiatric in San Diego is a great place to start.
How Does ECT Work?
ECT administers controlled electrical impulses to the brain under general anesthesia, triggering a brief seizure. This procedure induces various biochemical effects, including adjustments to neurotransmitter systems, neuroplasticity enhancement, modulation of stress response systems, and reductions in inflammation.
- Neurotransmitter Modulation
ECT increases the levels and availability of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, boosts norepinephrine, enhances GABA levels, and stabilizes glutamate.
- Neuroplasticity and Synaptic Strengthening
ECT raises levels of BDNF, a protein crucial for neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new connections. This increase can reverse the neural atrophy often seen in depression, particularly by promoting synaptogenesis in mood-regulating regions such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
- Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Modulation
Chronic stress and depression can disrupt the HPA axis, leading to elevated cortisol levels. ECT regulates this stress response, potentially lowering abnormal cortisol levels and easing mood symptoms.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), are common in people with depression. ECT can reduce these inflammatory markers, which may contribute to its mood-stabilizing effects.
If you find yourself frequently struggling with your mental health, consider depression treatment in San Diego.
What to Expect during Treatment
- Preparation
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- Evaluation – Patients undergo comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluations to determine if ECT is appropriate.
- Informed consent – The procedure, including potential risks and benefits, is fully explained, and the patient provides informed consent.
- Fasting – To minimize anesthesia-related nausea, patients are generally asked to fast for several hours before the procedure.
- The Procedure
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- Anesthesia and muscle relaxant – General anesthesia and a muscle relaxant are administered to ensure comfort and safety.
- Electrode placement – Electrodes are placed on the scalp in preparation for the controlled electrical stimulation.
- Controlled seizure induction – The brief seizure is then induced under medical supervision.
- Recovery
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- Monitoring in recovery area – After the procedure, patients are taken to a recovery area where their vital signs are closely monitored by medical staff as they awaken from anesthesia.
- Post-procedure experiences – Temporary grogginess, mild confusion, or disorientation may occur as the patient regains full awareness.
- Discharge and transportation – Most patients are able to return home the same day with the help of a designated driver.
ECT treatments are generally scheduled 2–3 times per week over several weeks, with most courses lasting 6–12 sessions depending on the individual’s response.
If you or a loved one in the San Diego area are struggling with a severe mental health condition, it may be time to explore the transformative potential of Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Speak with a San Diego psychiatrist at Sacred Psychiatric, a leading provider of mental health services in San Diego, to learn more about this innovative treatment and how it could provide the relief you’ve been seeking. With its proven track record of success, ECT offers hope and the promise of a brighter future for those in need.