Overview
Electroconvulsive therapy passes a brief, controlled electrical current through the brain to cause a short seizure while the person is asleep under anaesthesia. It can work quickly when other treatments have not helped or when illness is life-threatening.
Why it is done
- Severe depression, especially with suicidal thoughts or refusal to eat or drink
- Depression that has not responded to medicines
- Severe mania or catatonia
- Some cases of schizophrenia or postpartum psychosis
Before treatment
A full medical and psychiatric assessment is done, with blood tests and an ECG. Treatment is explained and written consent is obtained.
During treatment
You are given a short general anaesthetic and a muscle relaxant. The treatment lasts a few seconds, and you wake up within minutes. A course is usually two to three sessions a week.
Risks
Side effects include headache, muscle aches, confusion after treatment and short-term memory problems, which usually improve.
At KIH
KIH's psychiatry team can assess whether ECT is suitable and explain the options available.
This information is for general education. Your doctor will explain whether this treatment is suitable for you, and its benefits and risks. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
