Electroconvulsive Therapy | Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences | UC Davis Health

What is electroconvulsive therapy?
Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is a medical treatment in which a brief, carefully controlled electrical signal is directed to the brain. 

Who may benefit from ECT?
ECT is one of the most effective treatments available for adults (18+) with serious psychiatric conditions, especially when other treatments have not worked. It may treat severe treatment-resistant mood and psychotic disorders, including:

• Bipolar disorder, including depressive and mixed episodes
• Catatonia that has not responded to other treatment
• Treatment-resistant schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder 

What can I expect with ECT treatment?
Treatment is given while you are asleep under general anesthesia. Each treatment takes only a few minutes, and the full visit, including recovery, usually lasts a few hours. ECT is given by a specialized team in a monitored setting, with close attention to your safety and comfort throughout. 

During your treatment sessions, you will need a support person who can bring you to your appointments and take you home. If transportation or support is a challenge, our team will work with you to find a solution before ECT begins.

ECT is given as a series of sessions usually 2-3 times per week. Most people need about 9 to 15 sessions. Some patients continue with occasional treatments spaced further apart to help keep symptoms from returning. The schedule is gradually stretched over time and is tailored to each patient. Your care team will discuss the schedule that is right for you. 

Is ECT safe?
Yes, it is safe. For many people, ECT leads to a significant improvement in symptoms, and it can work when other treatments have not.

However, like any medical procedure that uses anesthesia, ECT carries some risks and side effects. The most common side effects are usually temporary and may include headache, muscle soreness, nausea, and confusion shortly after a treatment. Some people notice memory effects, such as trouble remembering events around the time of treatment. For most patients these effects improve in the weeks after the treatment course ends. Your care team will monitor your memory and thinking during treatment and will talk with you about any concerns.