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How Safe Is An Electric Shock Therapy In Treating Depression?
Question: Hi, have you done many cases of ECT (Electric Shock Therapy), is it safe? What tests do you do prior to treatment?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
ECT, contrary to popular depictions in movies from many years ago, is the most effective treatment in psychiatry, and is very safe. It is over 85% effective for depression. There are no significant long-term side effects. Some people may experience intermittent memory loss during the course of treatment, but this does not effect memory prior to or after treatment. Common tests done beforehand include basic blood work, an EKG, and a chest Xray, though even these are not really necessary.
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Dr. Sheppe
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
ECT, contrary to popular depictions in movies from many years ago, is the most effective treatment in psychiatry, and is very safe. It is over 85% effective for depression. There are no significant long-term side effects. Some people may experience intermittent memory loss during the course of treatment, but this does not effect memory prior to or after treatment. Common tests done beforehand include basic blood work, an EKG, and a chest Xray, though even these are not really necessary.
In the future, reach out to me at my direct private link:
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Dr. Sheppe
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Thank you for answering my question. So ECT is very safe, even when it comes to the heart? You can't develop dysrhythmia?
I heard stories, even one from 2001 where a patient had it and ended up having a heart attack the next day.
I heard stories, even one from 2001 where a patient had it and ended up having a heart attack the next day.
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
No, ECT cannot cause arrhythmia. The electricity never leaves the brain. Because the treatment causes a seizure, it can strain the heart a bit, but ECT is routinely done even in people with heart failure and people with pacemakers.
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Dr. Sheppe
Followup
Detailed Answer:
No, ECT cannot cause arrhythmia. The electricity never leaves the brain. Because the treatment causes a seizure, it can strain the heart a bit, but ECT is routinely done even in people with heart failure and people with pacemakers.
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Dr. Sheppe
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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