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Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for Treating Mental Health Disorders

  • Writer: Sophia Yang
    Sophia Yang
  • Mar 17
  • 6 min read

Source: Health.com
Source: Health.com

Imagine laying down on a hospital bed with wires and pads covering your scalp. The doctor recommends counting backward from ten. Ceiling tiles slowly fade away as the anesthesia takes control of your body and mind. After a few minutes, you feel a sense of relief. You don’t know what had occurred, yet you feel satisfaction after escaping what felt like the darkest phase of life (Brain Stimulation Therapies, n.d.). This is what patients who go through Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) experience. 


ECT replaces other psychological treatments when they have failed to cure major depressive disorders such as mania, catatonia and bipolar disorder (Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) - Mayo Clinic, n.d.). During ECT, electrodes are placed on specific parts of the cerebrum (brain), depending on the disorder. Electric currents are passed through the electrodes, causing seizures that last under a minute. The patient typically experiences little to no pain. This process is administered 3 times over 6-12 weeks until the symptoms improve  (Brain Stimulation Therapies, n.d.). 


This therapy has been developed and altered over several decades. However, people still choose to look at it from a profoundly negative perspective, due to how its portrayal in media. ECT is stigmatized due to the lack of knowledge among physicians, fear of electricity and concerns about memory loss or other adverse effects (‌Espinoza, R., & Kellner, C. 2023). Addressing these issues is important when recognizing ECT's role as an impactful treatment for patients struggling with major mental health disorders. 


The History 

ECT traces back to 1937 in the first floor of the Rome Royal University Clinic, where Ugo Cerletti was experimenting with an electrical current to mimic an epileptic seizure. Although this turned out to be successful, the scientist hadn’t considered using this therapy method to treat mental illnesses (Gazdag & Ungvari, 2018). Cerletti wasn’t aware that he had brought a huge advancement in the future of psychological treatment through his creation of ECT. His contribution would go on to help countless mental health patients in the future. 


It wasn’t until years later that ECT’s use in helping with intense mental disorders was even considered by a Hungarian neuropathologist Ladislas J. Meduna. Meduna induced the first epileptic seizure in the hopes of decreasing the symptoms of his psychosis. The treatment continued over 3 weeks and the patient went through 5 more treatments (Ladislas Meduna, 1999). In the end, Meduna had auspiciously used ECT to benefit the mental health of his patients for the first time in history. 


The works of both these scientists helped shape ECT into what it is today. However, what Cerletti and Meduna introduced was just a foundation and since then, ECT has been refined and changed to better accommodate the needs of the patients. Introducing general anesthesia in the 1960s assured patients that they had a low chance of feeling pain or discomfort through the entirety of the treatment. Along with this, psychiatrists have changed the placement of the electrodes on the patient’s head to decrease the chances of experiencing strong adverse effects. Medical staff are also required to go through training and get educated on the process before taking part in the implications of ECT (MacMillan, 2024). All of these changes throughout history have made the process more trustable over time.


Controversies 

Most of the stigma that revolves around ECT is regarding 2 main controversial topics. 


The first one is about the possibility of life-changing adverse occurring as a result of going through the process of ECT. People have long stereotyped ECT to be dangerous and a type of punishment in some cases. Common ECT side effects include typically nausea, confusion, headaches, and muscle soreness (Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) - Mayo Clinic, n.d.). All of the adverse effects are usually manageable, thus making the benefits of ECT far outweigh the potential side effects. Likewise, there are adverse effects of memory loss associated with ECT, but they aren’t as severe as most think they are. The patients who undergo ECT usually show signs of very temporary memory loss and confusion. This clears up in a matter of a few months and their memory typically returns to normal. The cases of permanent memory loss can also be prevented by being mindful of the duration of the electrical shock and the placement of the electrodes (Professional, 2024). 


The second controversy that arises in the fact that media and television shows have also played a big role in how ECT is portrayed to people with ECT being portrayed in “52 movies, 21 TV programs, and 2 Sitcoms” as a “memory-erasing, damaging, obsolete or downright torturous method” to “millions of viewers” (Buday et al., 2024). As such, trying to revert the effects of the media on the way people viewed ECT is difficult, if not almost impossible. However, successfully doing so would allow more patients dealing with mental health issues to consider giving ECT a try. 


Breaking the Stigma

The use of electroconvulsive therapy during treatment has proven to lead to positive outcomes. A study conducted by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that ECT has a success rate of 80% for catatonia, 80% for mania, 63% for depression and 42% for schizophrenia (Espinoza et al., 2022). Likewise, a literature review conducted by the Journal of ECT also found that it has been successful in the remission of mood disorders, with a decrease in suicidal thoughts and improvement in adolescent school performance (Sachs & Madaan, n.d).


ECT is known for its rapid effectiveness, often providing immediate relief after treatment (Tsoukalas, 2020). Despite lingering misconceptions and its restriction to specific mental health disorders, numerous studies indicate that patients generally report positive experiences. Most individuals do not find the treatment upsetting or frightening; instead, they recognize its benefits in alleviating their symptoms. Many patients have expressed willingness to undergo ECT again, emphasizing their satisfaction with both the treatment and the medical staff (Guruvaiah et al., 2017).


Conclusion

Despite the stigma fueled by media portrayals that paint ECT as dangerous or outdated, research has consistently shown that it can be a life-changing treatment for many individuals. Since its introduction in 1937, ECT has evolved significantly, with improved safety measures and protocols making it more effective and accessible. While side effects like short-term memory loss and headaches can occur, advancements in technology and medical practices continue to reduce these risks. Educating patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals about ECT is key to breaking down misconceptions and ensuring people understand its benefits. With the right knowledge and proper administration, ECT can remain a valuable tool in mental health treatment, offering hope to those facing some of the most difficult challenges in their lives of mental illness.


 

Written by Palak Jha and Soumya Chaudhary


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