Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a relatively safe and effective treatment for some severe mental health conditions that are considered life threatening. ECT should only be used with the informed consent of the person being treated.
What is ECT?
ECT involves passing brief, carefully-controlled electric currents through the brain. It is used to treat certain psychiatric disorders.
When is ECT used?
ECT is used to treat:
ECT is useful because it works more quickly than other treatments such as medicines or therapy. It is used cautiously because it is more intrusive than other treatments and may cause memory problems. Since the effects are short-lived, long-term treatment with antidepressant or mood-stabilising medicine is usually needed.
How is ECT given?
ECT is administered by a psychiatrist and an anaesthetist. A general anaesthetic is given before the ECT procedure. Electrodes are then placed on one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) sides of the scalp to deliver a small electric current in order to trigger a brief seizure. The seizure temporarily changes the chemistry in the brain and improves some symptoms quickly.
The person being treated doesn’t feel discomfort and usually wakes up 5 to 10 minutes after the procedure.
Typically, treatments are given 2 to 3 times a week for up to 14 sessions, depending on the nature of the illness and the response to treatment.
Before ECT can be used, the person being treated must give informed consent to show that they understand the treatment, as well as the risks and benefits. If they are unable to give consent because of their mental health, their psychiatrist will seek a decision from the state’s mental health authority.
A person who gives consent can withdraw it at any time.
What are the side effects of ECT?
The main side effect of ECT is short-term memory loss. It can also cause varying degrees of memory problems, including long-term and even permanent memory loss.
Alternatives to ECT
Alternatives to ECT currently being researched include:
- mild brain stimulation (MBS) – relevant parts of the brain are stimulated with very weak currents via two electrodes placed on the head
- transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) – a coil that creates a magnetic field is held next to the head to stimulate the relevant parts of the brain
Unlike ECT, neither treatment requires a general anaesthetic.
For more information about ECT, go to:
Last reviewed: June 2018