Are you scared of ECT treatment? Let's find out the truth! (Electroconvulsive Therapy - ECT)

Have you ever seen a movie where someone is being given a 'shock'? It's a chilling, scary scene, isn't it? Often, scenes like that are the reason why many people have a great deal of fear and misconception about ECT, or Electroconvulsive Therapy. But is it really something to be afraid of these days? Today, let's talk about what ECT really is, how it's done, and what its benefits are.

Simply put, what is ECT?

ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) is a highly effective medical treatment for some mental illnesses. It is used especially for severe mental illnesses that do not respond well to conventional medications or other treatments.

What happens here is that you are completely anesthetized (General Anesthesia) , which means that you are completely asleep, and a very small, controlled electrical signal is given to the brain. This causes a very short, controlled seizure in the brain. All this happens without you knowing anything, while you are in a deep sleep. So there is no pain or squirming like in the movies.

Think of it this way, just as sometimes when our computer 'hangs', we can 'restart' it and it starts working properly again, this treatment somehow 'resets' or rewires the communication between nerve cells in the brain. Scientists are still researching exactly how this works. But one of the main ideas is that this treatment helps new nerve cells in the brain grow and form new connections between them. We call this process (neurogenesis) . It is believed that this helps to reverse the negative changes in the brain caused by diseases such as major depression.

Although this treatment method has been used as far back as 1938, it has become very safe and advanced with the advancement of technology.

For what conditions and for whom is this treatment suitable?

ECT is not a treatment for everyone. It is only recommended by a doctor after a thorough examination of the patient's condition and if there is a special need for it. You can get a good idea of ​​this from the table below.

How do you prepare before treatment?

Once the decision has been made for you to have ECT treatment, the medical team will give you a set of instructions to follow. These may usually include things like:

• Fasting for at least eight hours: It is best not to eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the treatment. This is because you will be given anesthesia, and it is essential for safety that your stomach is empty.
• Morning medications: If you have medications that you need to take in the morning, take them with a couple of sips of water only after consulting your doctor and if he or she says it's okay.
• Dentures: If you wear dentures or artificial teeth, bring a case where you can remove them.
• Jewelry: Remove as much jewelry as possible, such as earrings and facial piercings.

What actually happens during treatment?

Let's take a look at what happens on the day of this treatment. Knowing this will help reduce your fear.

1. Hospital admission: After you arrive at the hospital, you will be directed to the treatment unit.

2. IV cannula insertion: A small tube (IV cannula) is inserted into a vein. This is where the anesthesia medications and other supplies are given.

3. Meeting with the medical team: The team, including the psychiatrist and anesthesiologist, will meet with you and talk. You can ask any questions you have at this time.

4. Anesthesia: You will be given medication through an IV to put you completely to sleep. Along with this, you will also be given medication to relax your muscles. This will prevent any movement during the treatment.

5. Oxygen administration: While you are asleep, you will be given oxygen through an oxygen mask. Everything from your heart rate to your blood pressure will be monitored very closely.

6. ECT treatment: ECT treatment is now being performed. A very small, controlled electrical current is delivered to the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp. The controlled convulsions caused by this usually last only 30 to 60 seconds .

This entire process takes place without you knowing anything, in a very safe environment, under the full supervision of doctors.

What happens after treatment?

About 5 minutes after the treatment ends, you will begin to wake up. It is completely normal to feel a little sleepy and a little confused about your surroundings at first. This usually goes away within 20-30 minutes. You will be kept under medical supervision in the treatment unit for about 30-45 minutes until you are completely recovered.

After you go home, it is essential to follow these things for your safety and speedy recovery:

• Avoid driving: Do not drive for any reason during your ECT treatment course (which is given two to three times a week). Do not drive after the treatment course is over, and do not drive until your doctor gives you permission.
• Avoid making important decisions: Avoid operating heavy machinery and signing important documents on the day of treatment.
• Be accompanied by a responsible adult: Be accompanied by a responsible adult to and from all treatments. You cannot use a taxi or ride-sharing service to get home.
• Don't be alone for 24 hours: After every treatment, it is essential that someone stay with you for the next 24 hours.

How long does this treatment take?

ECT is not a one-time treatment. It is a series of treatments. It is like taking a course of medication. Depending on your condition and response to treatment, you may need to have several treatments, two or three times a week. The total number of treatments varies from person to person.

Are there any side effects of ECT treatment?

As with any medical treatment, ECT can have some side effects. However, most of these are temporary. It is important to be clear about these.

What are the benefits of ECT treatment?

There are several key benefits to choosing this treatment:

• Fast results: ECT often produces results faster than other treatments (especially medications). In an emergency, for example, if someone is trying to harm themselves, this can be a life-saving treatment.
• High success rate: This is a very successful treatment for conditions such as severe depression that do not respond to medication.
• Safe Alternative: This can be used as a safe alternative for those who cannot take certain medications, such as pregnant mothers.
• With other treatments: ECT is often given in conjunction with medication. It can also increase the effectiveness of the medication.

When should I call the doctor?

Your doctor will explain to you what symptoms you should be aware of after treatment. If you experience any of the following, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) .

• Fast or irregular heartbeat.
• If you feel any sadness about your mental state.
• If you get a very severe headache.
• If there is no improvement in symptoms after two or three days, or if the condition worsens.

Finally, don't be afraid of ECT because of what you see in movies. They often show methods that were used in the past or are exaggerated. Today, ECT is a very safe and effective treatment, performed under anesthesia and under strict medical supervision. Your safety and comfort are the top priority of the medical team. If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.