Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Powerful Tool for Mental Health

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### Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): An Overview

**Introduction:**
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment most commonly used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. Despite its controversial history, modern ECT is considered a safe and effective procedure.

**History of ECT:**
ECT was first introduced in the 1930s. Initially, it had a controversial reputation due to its portrayal in media and the early methods used. However, advancements in technique and anesthesia have significantly improved its safety and efficacy.

**How ECT Works:**
ECT involves the use of electric currents to induce a brief, controlled seizure in the patient’s brain. This is believed to cause changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental health conditions. The procedure typically involves:

1. **Preparation:** Patients undergo a thorough medical examination. They may be advised to avoid food and drink for several hours before the procedure.
2. **Anesthesia:** Patients are given general anesthesia and a muscle relaxant to prevent injury and discomfort during the seizure.
3. **Electrode Placement:** Electrodes are placed on the patient’s scalp. The placement can be bilateral (on both sides of the head) or unilateral (on one side).
4. **Electric Stimulation:** A controlled electric current is passed through the brain for a few seconds, inducing a seizure that lasts about a minute.

**Indications for ECT:**
ECT is typically used when other treatments have failed, or when rapid response is needed. It is effective in treating:

- Severe depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Catatonia
- Acute mania

**Effectiveness and Benefits:**
ECT has a high success rate, particularly for severe depression. Many patients experience significant improvement after a few sessions. It can be life-saving in cases where patients are at risk of suicide or self-harm. The benefits often include:

- Rapid symptom relief
- Improved mood and cognitive function
- Enhanced quality of life

**Risks and Side Effects:**
Like any medical procedure, ECT carries some risks. Common side effects include:

- Short-term memory loss
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Muscle soreness

These side effects are generally temporary and can be managed with medical supervision.

**Myths and Misconceptions:**
There are several myths surrounding ECT, often fueled by media portrayals. Some common misconceptions include:

- **ECT is Painful:** With modern anesthesia and muscle relaxants, ECT is a painless procedure.
- **ECT Causes Brain Damage:** There is no evidence that ECT causes brain damage. It is a safe procedure when performed by trained professionals.
- **ECT is Only for Severe Cases:** While often used for severe cases, ECT can also be an option for patients who prefer not to take medications or have not responded to them.

**Conclusion:**
ECT is a valuable treatment option for certain psychiatric conditions, particularly when other treatments have failed. It offers hope for many patients who suffer from severe and debilitating mental health disorders. With continued advancements and proper medical oversight, ECT remains a safe and effective therapeutic tool.

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**Additional Resources:**

[karenmonson]

My mother was having depression issues after my father died and when she married her second husband. I was apart of her treatment program and ECT came up. She went into the hospital totally voluntarily. I said I wanted time to research for myself about the pro's and con's before giving consent to do it. It was hard to find but what I did find was more con then pro. I was especially concerned about the short memory loss. I told the doctors I think we needed to try other medications options first before going with this. They were eventually able to find the right combination of medications that worked for her. It is an option if everything else has been tried and failed to help.

[sarahteahan]

I should have had 6 sessions (against my will on a sec 3) I was about 21 years old. Completely messed up my memory. They say it affects short term memory which recovers after a few weeks. Not only this but they gave me ANOTHER 6 sessions. I’ve never recovered, it’s actually made my epilepsy worse. Personally it didn’t help me at all & I feel I was lied to. I’ve heard other stories like mine which has confirmed my symptoms. However, I won’t say to anyone not to have it done because I’ve seen it work for others. One theory is that I have chronic clinical depressive disorder, PTSD, EUPD, As well as other diagnosis which I’d rather not go into. But it could be due to having a lot more mental health issues than only the depression. I don’t know 🤷🏼‍♀️ . What I would say to anybody considering having it done is RESEARCH. I don’t just mean read up on it, I also mean look at actual case studies to see peoples experiences. Then do a pros & cons list. Only you can make that decision so find out as much as you can about it.

[MultidimensionalSentinel]

What's the deal with these super inaccurate B-roll images? That ridiculous headgear is NOT consistent with the reality of ECT

[BOC_Europe_]

The set up of wires and pads to her head is closer to an EEG stimulus test than biphasic, sine wave ECT, the refined modern evolution compared to the good auld days when you were basically plugged into the nearest mains outlet socket. The modern form has less side effects such as memory loss or cognitive dysfunction

[lilithpleasant]

i suffer with BPD and 2 other personality disorders and i had been 6 months in mental hospital and another 6 in special theraupeuthic "hospital" institution 2 years ago, im taking my meds im going to the therapy but none of those work, im as sick as i had been since 2020 and my country have a proper devices to do that method but "free" mental health care doesnt wanna use that, im really in bad situation and im thinking for going through this procedure with paying for that.

[jimprior]

My wife was in a very very bad way and she got 1 ect treatment in the morning and she was like her same old self in the evening, the next day she was in the bad way again. What a let down. Future treatment didn't help. ????

[hassanmohamed]

Hello
i want to consult you about something
I was very normal there is nothing in high school I was very upset and nervous so I went to a psychiatrist who wrote me on medicines I took the second month caused me apathy and then he told me when you stop it will return to your nature I walked on them for two months and I stopped it and still complete with me this indifference has been for a year and when I went to a doctor he told me depression and I don't want to believe that it is from the treatment Before the treatment I was very normal if I took a session to regulate the rhythm of the brain go back to my nature?

[ogbulivictorifeanyi]

Nice, I learnt but try and add nursing management especially for student nurses that use your channel like me and others

[simonforfan]

I'm bipolar, currently in a very low mental state. Tomorrow i have my 3d ect treatment. It's really great! Some memory issues but that I can live with. So worth it

[donawheeler]

Medicine is overlooking trauma
And the short term use of highly addictive medications

[Melvin-ntxu]

I’ve tried medication for 3.5 years (I’m 17 now) and haven’t found any medication that have any affect. My doctor told me I’m bad at “feeling” the effect which is weird because isn’t the point that I myself should feel better and not based on my performance? It seemed like they had different goals and it’s stupid because there are too many environmental factors to contribute to my performance during these meditations.

Anyways so I’ve been looking for something to help me from my anxiety and depression for years and I’m so fatigued I will drop out of school (haven’t been to school in 3 weeks) and all I can do is wait and gamble for medication.

However I was wondering if this could be a valid option for me? For the record I got ADHD and ASD and probably other stuff undiagnosed.

If you don’t think I don’t fit a treatment like this then if so what should I try?

If I typed something confusing you can ask me about it, I’m not that good at expressing myself sometimes.

[Train_Bus_Plane]

All scenes in the video is about EEG not ECT ... 😮

[donawheeler]

ECT should be elimination from any treatment plan

[jacobvandijk]

A POWERFUL TOOL Then why only used for people with severe depression problems?

[brianfarris]

*WHO* came up with the thumbnail?? That is not how ECT is applied to the head! LOL! 😀😄😆😂🤣🤢🤮 I got sick I laughed sop hard!!
*NONE* of what you show is ECT! This video is made by HACKS!

[GabrielBoboc-qhwv]

HELPS ERASE YOUR DEPRESSION ✅️
YOUR MEMORY WILL BE ERASED, IN RARE CASES PERMANENTLY ✅️