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SPECIALIST TREATMENT
Understanding your treatment is an important part of your care. Explore what ECT involves, why it may be considered and the questions to discuss with your psychiatrist.
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CARE
Space to pause between conversations about care.
ECT is a medical treatment given under general anaesthesia, meaning you are asleep during the procedure. A carefully controlled electrical stimulus briefly causes a seizure, which can help improve symptoms of severe depression and some other mental health conditions. ECT may be considered when other treatments have not provided enough improvement, or when symptoms are severe and a faster response may be needed.
Before recommending ECT, your psychiatrist will consider your current symptoms, treatments you have already tried, physical health and personal circumstances. They will talk with you about why ECT is being considered, the potential benefits and risks, possible effects on memory, and other treatment options so you can make an informed decision. Responses to ECT vary from person to person.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A starting point for conversations
with your treating team.
Your treating team will review your mental and physical health, medications and previous treatments, and give you an opportunity to ask questions. They will explain why ECT is being considered, other available options, possible side effects including changes to memory, and what is involved in providing consent.
Before each treatment, follow the instructions provided by your team about eating and drinking, medications and when to arrive. If you are attending as a day patient, your team will also explain arrangements for getting home and any support you may need after the anaesthetic.
You will be given a short general anaesthetic so you are asleep during ECT, along with medication to relax your muscles. Your breathing, heart rate and other vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure. Afterwards, you will be cared for in a recovery area while the anaesthetic wears off.
Your treating team will regularly review your symptoms, memory and any side effects during the course of ECT. The number and frequency of treatments can vary depending on your needs and response. Your team will also discuss ongoing care and what treatment or follow-up may be recommended after your ECT course.
A CONSIDERED APPROACH
ECT can be an effective treatment for some people with severe depression and certain other mental health conditions, although it does not work for everyone. Common short-term side effects can include headaches, nausea, muscle soreness, tiredness and temporary confusion. ECT can also affect memory, particularly memories from around the time of treatment or from the weeks and months beforehand. Memory often improves after treatment, but some memory gaps may last longer and, in some cases, can be permanent. As ECT is performed under general anaesthesia, there are also risks associated with anaesthesia. Your treating team will discuss the potential benefits and risks with you and monitor your response, memory and overall wellbeing throughout treatment.
YOUR QUESTIONS
Understanding what ECT involves can help you feel better prepared to discuss your treatment options and ask questions that are important to you.
There is no single number of treatments that is right for everyone. The length and frequency of your ECT course will depend on your symptoms, individual needs and how you respond. Your psychiatrist will review your progress throughout treatment and discuss any changes to the plan with you.
No. ECT is performed under general anaesthesia, so you are asleep during the procedure. Your clinical team monitors you closely while ECT is given and as you wake and recover from the anaesthetic.
It is important to discuss how ECT may affect memory, including the possibility of difficulty recalling events from around the treatment period or from before treatment. Ask what changes you might notice, how your memory will be monitored and what will happen if you experience difficulties. Tell your team about any memory concerns you already have.
If you receive ECT as a day patient, your team will provide instructions for after each treatment. These may cover getting home safely, whether someone should stay with you, and when you can return to activities such as driving or work. Follow the advice provided for your individual circumstances.
ACCESSING CARE
Your psychiatrist can explain whether ECT may be appropriate and help you weigh up the benefits, risks and alternatives.
For general enquiries. Please avoid sending sensitive health information by email.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Clinic resources and clinical information.
General information does not replace advice from your treating team. Individual suitability, arrangements and costs require confirmation.