Doctors for Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Electroconvulsive treatment is one of the most effective treatments available for depression. This brain simulation technique involves the administration of a controlled frequency of electric current to the patient's scalp. Electroconvulsive therapy is recommended for treatment of depression, catatonic stupor, mania, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The procedure is carried under general anesthesia. This enables the patient to be completely relaxed and prevents the development of psychological fear. Electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp to administer a controlled electric current. The current causes a brief seizure in the brain. The current alters the brain chemistry to relieve the symptoms of various psychological disorders. Electroconvulsive treatment is one of the fastest ways to treat severely depressed or suicidal patients. The neurologist recommends it when the mental illness does not respond to other forms of therapy. The treatment is also used in circumstances when a quick recovery is imminent for pregnant patients or when patients pose a severe threat to themselves or others. However, the risks and side effects are mostly related to the misuse of equipment, incorrect administration, or improperly trained staff. Earlier, the procedure was carried out without anesthesia, this led to memory loss, fractures and induced fear in patients. If trained neurologists perform the procedure, the side effects are minimal including temporary confusion and disorientation, loss of memory of events preceding the procedure, headache, jaw pain or muscle pain. The therapy is widely accepted by medical practitioners as a safe alternative to treatment of mental illnesses.