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Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

For more information regarding the Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Program, please call 210-499-6384.

For patients who are unresponsive to traditional therapy and medication, electroconvulsive therapy is a safe and effective treatment for relief of severe mental illness, including depression and thoughts of suicide. Laurel Ridge Treatment Center offers ECT for patients in the inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. This life saving treatment has been proven to relieve mania and acute psychosis.

In recent years, medicine has vastly improved the diagnosis and treatment options available for those suffering from mental illness. New therapies and medications have helped countless people recover from debilitating psychiatric problems that were previously thought untreatable. Despite these advances, not everyone experiences the same success. Electroconvulsive Therapy is an option for patients who have not responded to traditional therapies and medication.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy?

Electroconvulsive Therapy is a treatment for adults 18 years and older who suffer from severe episodes of major depression, persistent suicidal ideation, mania and some types of schizophrenia and who have either not responded to medications or whose symptoms are too severe to permit medication trials. The procedure occurs two to three times a week for a total of six to 12 treatments.

Is ECT Effective?

Electroconvulsive Therapy has been proven to be a useful treatment method with more than half of severely treatment-resistant patients achieving remission, according to the National Institutes of Health. Still, there is no guarantee that ECT will be effective. Your doctor will discuss with you why ECT inpatient or ECT outpatient therapy is being recommended and what alternative treatments may be available.

Is ECT Safe?

Prior to Electroconvulsive Therapy, patients will undergo a physical and psychiatric evaluation to ensure that the treatments can be administered in the most effective manner. Medications may be adjusted to minimize risk and maximize effectiveness. However, all treatments have risks and side effects. The most common side effects of ECT include muscle aches, nausea, short-term memory loss and headaches.

Am I Eligible for ECT?

There are risks associated with any treatment procedure and individual results may vary. Please consult the dedicated professionals within the ECT program at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center to assess if you are a candidate for ECT therapy. Our Medical Staff will also consult with you on the risks and benefits of ECT treatment if you are a suitable candidate.

How Does ECT work?

At Laurel Ridge Treatment Center, Electroconvulsive Therapy is performed by a team of medical professionals specifically trained in its delivery. This team consists of a psychiatrist, anesthesiologist and nursing staff. The psychiatrist commonly delivers the ECT stimulation. The anesthesia team administers general anesthesia, medications and monitors the patient’s medical status throughout the procedure. After the treatment, nursing staff will continue to monitor the patient’s progress until they return to the inpatient or outpatient unit.

What to Expect after ECT?

While Electroconvulsive Therapy is an extremely effective treatment, it is only one component of a complete treatment regimen. After your ECT course, medications will likely be required as maintenance therapy to help prevent a return of your illness. ECT cannot resolve other problems associated with personal relationships or how an individual copes with the stressors of life. Other interventions such as psychotherapy may be recommended.

In order to help determine if ECT is an appropriate course of treatment, please contact us for additional information or to schedule a consultation with a member on our professional staff.

Levels of Care

By offering multiple levels of care, Laurel Ridge Treatment Center, as an ECT treatment center, is able to better serve our patients and their family members wherever they may be on the journey to recovery. In addition to Electroconvulsive Therapy, we offer Partial Hospitalization (PHP), inpatient services, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and more. Each one of these services can help our patients reach their goals and be provided with the tools necessary to live a happier, healthier life.

There are risks associated with any treatment procedure and individual results may vary. Please consult the dedicated professionals within the ECT program at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center to assess if you are a candidate for ECT treatment. Our Medical Staff will also consult with you on the risks and benefits of ECT treatment if you are a suitable candidate.

Contact our admissions line for a No Cost Assessment

210-491-3591

For all other inquiries contact:  210-491-9400