Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Peak View Behavioral Health provides elective
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) can be an effective treatment option for clients who are severely depressed, suicidal, or have bipolar disorder with depression/mania. We offer ECT for clients who are 18 years and older and are:
- Unresponsive to other forms of treatment
- An immediate danger to themselves
- Not good candidates for antidepressants or mood-stabilizer medication
What to Expect
ECT at Peak View
Peak View offers ECT services on an outpatient and inpatient basis. ECT is performed under general anesthesia by a nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and a psychiatrist. Each patient typically receives a series of 8-12 treatments. Treatments usually begin three times per week and then taper to monthly, based on the individual needs of the patient. Two psychiatrists must render separate opinions supporting the benefit of the treatment. Peak View has psychiatrists, experienced in ECT evaluation, available to render second opinions.
For some, ECT may be the fastest, safest, and most effective treatment for those resistant to medications. It is used to treat severe depression, bipolar depression, catatonia, and schizophrenia, and for those who may be imminently suicidal.
It is 80-85% effective, with minimal side effects. Short-term memory loss is the most common side effect, but symptoms usually improve over time. Minor aches and pains typically subside after the first two weeks of treatment. Patients usually notice improvement of their symptoms around 8-10 treatments. Any benefit gained from ECT may be lost if treatment is discontinued.
What to Consider
ECT is a viable option after discussion and exploration of other therapies is concluded. Clients receiving ECT services will also be given:
- Pre-ECT education for the clients and their families, conducted by a registered nurse
- Coordination of all pre-ECT requirements, including required medical appointments and insurance authorization
- Completion of the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) by the client before, during, and after the ECT series to monitor progress
- Communication with the outpatient doctor regarding progress in treatment
Working Together
In Colorado, regulations require two concurring opinions that ECT is, in fact, the best treatment for a patient. Treatment providers, other than a psychiatrist, can make a referral/first opinion. However, a detailed history of failed medical trials is required. If you are the patient’s treatment provider and are referring them for ECT, you can provide the first opinion recommending the use of electroconvulsive therapy.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for Schizophrenia
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment that can be effective for individuals with schizophrenia, particularly when other treatments have not been successful. ECT involves the application of brief electrical impulses to the brain, inducing a controlled seizure. This procedure can help reduce symptoms of schizophrenia such as severe depression, catatonia, and persistent hallucinations or delusions. ECT is typically considered when rapid symptom relief is necessary or when the patient has not responded to medications.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for Bipolar Disorder
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment used to alleviate severe symptoms of bipolar disorder, especially when other treatments have not been effective. ECT involves administering controlled electrical currents to the brain under anesthesia, inducing brief seizures. This treatment can help stabilize mood swings and alleviate severe depressive or manic episodes. ECT is considered safe and is typically used when rapid improvement is necessary or when medications and other therapies have failed.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for Depression
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment primarily used for severe depression, especially when other treatments have not been effective. It involves brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia. ECT is known to provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms, often within a few sessions. The procedure is typically performed in a hospital setting, and patients usually receive multiple treatments over several weeks. Despite its effectiveness, ECT can have side effects, such as memory loss and confusion, which are generally temporary.