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    Treatments & Services

Electroconvulsive therapy

If you, or someone you love, are struggling with a mental health condition that has not responded well to other forms of therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be right for you.

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Alteration of Nerve Activity Through Targeted Delivery of a Stimulus

How ECT works

ECT involves administering a brief electrical current to the brain while patients are under anesthesia. Parameters like heart and brain activity are carefully monitored throughout the process and an ECT-certified psychiatrist, ECT-trained nursed and a dedicated anesthesiologist oversee the procedure. An individual, pain-free treatment lasts only 30 seconds to a minute. ECT is available on an inpatient and outpatient basis.

While the exact mechanism of action is still unclear, research shows that ECT boosts the function and availability of neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters deliver messages from one brain cell to another. The release of these chemicals make the brain cells work better, resulting in depressive symptoms being overpowered by improved brain cell function.

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Common questions about electroconvulsive therapy

Because of ECT, a woman is happy and content at the office.

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