Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is often seen as a last choice for treating severe depression, especially when other treatments don’t work. So, how well does it actually work? Let’s take a closer look.
High Success Rate: Studies show that ECT can be very effective. About 70-90% of people with severe depression feel better after getting ECT. For those whose depression doesn't improve with medications, ECT can often help.
Fast Results: Regular antidepressants can take weeks to work, but ECT can show results much quicker, sometimes in just a few sessions. This is really important for people who are feeling very bad or having thoughts of harming themselves.
When is it Used? ECT works best for:
A lot of people worry about ECT because of how it is shown in movies and shows. But today’s ECT is done with anesthesia, which means patients don’t feel pain during the procedure. Some common side effects include temporary confusion and memory loss, but these usually go away quickly.
To sum it up, ECT is a strong treatment for severe depression, especially for those who haven’t found help through other methods. If you or someone you know is dealing with severe depression, it might be a good idea to talk to a mental health professional about ECT as a potential option for getting better.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is often seen as a last choice for treating severe depression, especially when other treatments don’t work. So, how well does it actually work? Let’s take a closer look.
High Success Rate: Studies show that ECT can be very effective. About 70-90% of people with severe depression feel better after getting ECT. For those whose depression doesn't improve with medications, ECT can often help.
Fast Results: Regular antidepressants can take weeks to work, but ECT can show results much quicker, sometimes in just a few sessions. This is really important for people who are feeling very bad or having thoughts of harming themselves.
When is it Used? ECT works best for:
A lot of people worry about ECT because of how it is shown in movies and shows. But today’s ECT is done with anesthesia, which means patients don’t feel pain during the procedure. Some common side effects include temporary confusion and memory loss, but these usually go away quickly.
To sum it up, ECT is a strong treatment for severe depression, especially for those who haven’t found help through other methods. If you or someone you know is dealing with severe depression, it might be a good idea to talk to a mental health professional about ECT as a potential option for getting better.