ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) Frequently Asked Questions
What is ECT?
How effective is ECT?
How safe is ECT?
How many treatments will I need?
How do I "sign up" for ECT?
What information will this doctor need me to bring to the consultation visit?
When will you need my insurance information?
What happens after my consultation visit?
What is needed prior to my first ECT?
Will I have to stay overnight in the hospital?
Do I need to do anything special the night before ECT?
What happens during the procedure?
What happens when I wake up?
May I drive home after ECT?
How will ECT affect my memory?
How long will my "responsible person" need to wait for me while I have outpatient ECT?
What is ECT?
ECT or electroconvulsive therapy is a procedure used to treat the symptoms of several illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. After anesthesia is administered and the patient is asleep, a small electrical stimulus is applied to the brain in order to induce a seizure. A muscle relaxant medication prevents your body from moving during the seizure. This seizure alters the biochemical environment of the brain. Many people respond favorably to this change resulting in a significant improvement in symptoms.
How effective is ECT?
ECT is a very effective form of treatment. Every individual is unique as is their response to ECT. Although the quality of response and the speed of response may vary from person to person, the response is generally perceived by patients, family members, and healthcare providers as very positive.
How safe is ECT?
ECT is often safer than no treatment at all. ECT may also be safer than other non-ECT treatments that are either poorly tolerated, ineffective, or incomplete. Your ECT doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of the ECT procedure with you in detail prior to any decision regarding ECT.
How many treatments will I need?
ECT is usually given as a course of 6 – 12 treatments. The procedures are ordinarily scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Your response to ECT will determine how many treatments you need. Your ECT doctor will guide that decision. “Maintenance” treatments may be recommended on an intermittent basis following the initial course.
How do I “sign up” for ECT?
Following a referral from your outpatient psychiatrist, an appointment is made for a consultation visit with an ECT doctor. (If you do not already have an established outpatient psychiatrist, you will be provided with a referral.) You will receive the phone number for the ECT doctor. You will call to schedule this consultation visit. You may receive this phone number from your outpatient psychiatrist, other referral sources, or from the ECT assessment personnel at Centennial Peaks Hospital (CPH). During this consultation visit it will be determined whether ECT is an appropriate treatment for you and you will be educated about the details of the treatment.
What information will this doctor need me to bring to the consultation visit?
Helpful information will include: records of any previous ECT treatments, information regarding previous medical or psychiatric hospitalizations, current medications and past medication trials, medication allergies or other allergies. In turn, the doctor may give to you: an *ECT Consent form, an *ECT Patient Information sheet, and a *Pre-Anesthesia History sheet.
When will you need my insurance information?
The ECT doctor’s office staff will need this information prior to your consultation visit. They will need a copy of your insurance card (both sides). You may provide the information via phone or fax. If you have Medicare, they will also need your birthdate.
Centennial Peaks Hospital will need the same insurance information prior to the first scheduled ECT. You may fax this to 303 673-9703 or provide the information via phone to 303 666-2004.
What happens after my consultation visit?
If the ECT doctor and you have decided to pursue ECT treatment, the ECT doctor will schedule your appointment for your first ECT procedure. An ECT assessment staff person will call you to confirm this appointment and to give you the opportunity to ask questions and to let you know what else is needed prior to your first ECT.
What is needed prior to my first ECT?
Usually we will need to have you obtain an *electrocardiogram, laboratory work to include a *chemistry panel and a *complete blood count (CBC) as well as a *“history and physical” from your outpatient medical doctor. A copy of these will need to be faxed to CPH. You will be told if other lab or xray procedures will be needed. The “history and physical”, the lab work, and the EKG will need to be done within one week of your scheduled ECT procedure.
We will also need you to read the *Patient information sheet, the *ECT Consent, and to complete a *Pre-Anesthesia History form. You may bring these with you to your first visit. It will be best if you have read and/or completed these prior to admission for ECT, however the consent form must be signed in the presence of the doctor or CPH staff.
We will need records of previous ECT treatments provided at a location other than Centennial Peaks Hospital. We will need your *insurance information to pre-authorize your ECT treatment with your insurance company
Will I have to stay overnight in the hospital?
ECT is provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis. We prioritize your safety and will do our best to establish an optimum environment that will contribute to a positive experience and a positive treatment outcome. Each individual’s situation and needs are unique. Your ECT doctor will consider all of the information given and you will make this decision together. Often, ECT is provided entirely on an outpatient basis. Sometimes inpatient treatment is recommended depending on your situation. Your ECT may be initially provided as an inpatient alternating to outpatient later in the course of treatment. We want to provide you with the best care possible.
Do I need to do anything special the night before ECT?
It is imperative that you have NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT. If you take medication for high blood pressure, you will need to take that medication with a sip of water on the morning of ECT.
What happens during the procedure?
Before you receive treatment, you will have an IV catheter inserted into a vein. Anesthesia medication will be given to you through this IV causing you to sleep for 5 to 10 minutes. A muscle relaxant will be given also. This will prevent you from moving during the treatment. Electrodes monitor your heart, your brain waves (EEG – electroencephalogram), and muscle movement in your foot (EMG – electromyelogram). You will also receive oxygen via a mask. The ECT machine is tested to ensure that it is set properly for you and the treatment is then given. You will experience no pain or discomfort during the procedure because you will be asleep.
What happens when I wake up?
You will wake up within minutes following the procedure. You may feel some confusion as you wake up. This usually passes within a short time. You will not have memory of the procedure itself. You may experience some muscle soreness and a headache following treatment. Relief is usually obtained with a pain reliever. You will be closely monitored by nurses in the recovery room for approximately 45 minutes following the procedure.
May I drive home after ECT?
No. You may not drive during the course of ECT. You will need to have a responsible person drive you to and from ECT treatments if you are an outpatient. You will also need to have a responsible person drive you home after discharge from inpatient care if you are currently receiving a course of ECT or have just completed that course. We also ask that you have a responsible person to be with you 24/7 during the course of ECT. At the conclusion of ECT, you will make an appointment to see the ECT doctor and he will determine when it is safe for you to drive again.
How will ECT affect my memory?
Memory loss is an expected side effect of ECT. Its nature varies with each patient. While there is some permanent memory loss with ECT, there is no substantial scientific evidence that ECT damages the brain. Your ECT doctor will discuss this with you in detail along with his explanation of the other side effects and potential complications of ECT.
How long will my “responsible person” need to wait for me while I have outpatient ECT?
The procedure is divided into three parts: Pre-ECT preparation, ECT procedure, and recovery from ECT. The approximate total time from admission to discharge is 2 - 3 hours. We are sensitive to the need for predictable time schedules and will do our very best to avoid unnecessary delays. We view every patient as equally important and will take whatever time is necessary to ensure safety. It is helpful if the person driving you can provide us with their cell phone number and we will call them when their friend or family member is within approximately 30 minutes of discharge.
Main ECT Page
ECT Article by Daniel Fisher, MD
If you have questions or are in need of further information, simply call our ECT Department at (303) 666-2004.
Centennial Peaks Hospital will provide services without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or economic status.
