Electro Convulsive Therapy

This treatment consists of several stages;
 

• Consent - this should be signed by the patient, except where a person is detained under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983 and an independent psychiatrist agrees it is necessary.
• Pre-treatment evaluation - to check there are no physical conditions which could lead to complications.
• General anaesthetic and muscle relaxant - to avoid pain or injury during the process
• Electric shock - typically between 140-170 volts for 0.5-1 second
• Repeat - a typical course of treatment is 6-12 shocks over a certain time period
• Other treatment - usually anti-depressants or similar to reinforce the effect

Usually ECT is only used when medication is not effective or a person experiences severe side- effects from medication or a person has responded to ECT in the past.
 
Whilst some do find ECT very helpful, the treatment has met strong opposition. One of the main criticisms is that there is no concrete scientific view, only unsubstantiated views on why it works. Other limitations include memory loss, sleep disturbances, disorientation and confusion.