Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Alteration of Nerve Activity Through Targeted Delivery of a Stimulus

How ECT works

Electroconvulsive therapy is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, low-dose electrical currents pass through the brain, intentionally causing a brief seizure. This seizure alters brain chemistry, which can quickly improve symptoms of certain mental health conditions. Modern ECT is safe and controlled, minimizing discomfort and maximizing mental health benefits.

Is electroconvulsive therapy right for you?

Electroconvulsive therapy is offered at CentraState, Morristown and Overlook medical centers and is sometimes recommended for individuals who fit the following criteria:

Experiencing severe depression

Particularly when accompanied by psychosis, thoughts of self-harm, or failure to thrive

Experiencing treatment-resistant depression

When depression does not improve with medications or other treatments

Diagnosed with mania

Defined as intense euphoria, agitation, or hyperactivity as part of bipolar disorder

Diagnosed with catatonia

Defined as a lack of movement, strange movements, lack of speech, often related to schizophrenia

Struggling with dementia paired with aggression

When symptoms negatively affect quality of life and other treatments have failed

Have one of these conditions and are pregnant or may become pregnant

When medication use is limited to avoid harming the developing fetus

Have one of these conditions and have a lower tolerance for medication

May not be able to manage drug side effects

Have one of these conditions and have had previous success with electroconvulsive therapy

May be recommended again in similar circumstances

Related mental wellness articles

Mental WellnessPostpartum depression: 4 ways to protect your mental health after pregnancyIf you or a loved one is struggling with postpartum depression, you’re not alone. An Atlantic Health specialist explains how to gain control of this common perinatal mood and anxiety disorder.

Mental WellnessThe “Find Out” approach: How FAFO parenting works and when to use ItFAFO-style parenting, which means fool around and find out, is about letting kids face the natural consequences of their behavior—all with love and guidance from Mom and Dad.

Mental WellnessHow to advocate for your child’s needs at schoolWhat should you do if your child is struggling at school? Atlantic Health expert explains when—and how—to advocate for your child’s needs.

Mental WellnessThe cortisol effect: how stress hormones affect your healthWhat role does cortisol (the stress hormone) play in your health? Atlantic Health expert explains when too much cortisol becomes a problem, and how to keep it in check.

Mental WellnessWhat parenting styles are best during the adolescent years?Raising a teenager isn’t easy. Atlantic Health expert explains that when it comes to relationship building during the adolescent years, some parenting styles work better than others.

Mental WellnessHow nutrition can boost your moodYour diet should help you thrive, not feel deprived. Explore a fresh approach to food and feeling well with tips from Atlantic Health System.

Mental WellnessIs it burnout or overwhelm? How to tell the differenceIf you’re feeling exhausted, irritable, and sad, it may be signs of overwhelm -- or burnout. An Atlantic Health expert explains the difference between the two, and how you can rebalance your life.

Mental WellnessWhat does it mean to be sober curious?The sober curious movement is changing how people think about alcohol. Discover its health benefits and simple ways to start drinking more mindfully.

Electroconvulsive therapy

How ECT works

Need behavioral health services?

Is electroconvulsive therapy right for you?

Related information

Related mental wellness articles