Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT)
Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) is a safe, medically supervised psychiatric treatment recommended for severe mental health conditions when medications and psychotherapy have not provided adequate relief. Administered under general anaesthesia, ECT delivers precisely controlled electrical stimulation to the brain, triggering a brief therapeutic seizure that helps reset disrupted neural pathways. Our experienced psychiatrists and anaesthesiologists work together to ensure every session is comfortable, dignified, and effective — helping patients reclaim stability, mood balance, and quality of life.
Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) is one of psychiatry’s most rigorously studied and clinically proven treatments for severe, treatment-resistant mental health conditions. When depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia does not respond to medications or therapy, ECT offers a safe, evidence-based pathway to recovery. Modern ECT is administered under general anaesthesia with muscle relaxants, making the procedure comfortable and free from the discomforts historically associated with it.
How ECT Works & What to Expect:
- Pre-Treatment Assessment: Every patient undergoes a thorough psychiatric, medical, and anaesthetic evaluation before ECT begins. Blood tests, ECG, and a detailed medication review ensure the procedure is tailored safely to each individual’s health profile.
- Anaesthesia & Muscle Relaxation: You will be given a short-acting general anaesthetic and muscle relaxant so you remain completely unconscious and relaxed throughout the session, which typically lasts 5–10 minutes.
- Controlled Brain Stimulation: Small, precisely calibrated electrodes are placed on the scalp. A brief, controlled electrical pulse is delivered, inducing a therapeutic seizure lasting 20–60 seconds monitored in real time via EEG.
- Rapid Recovery: Patients wake in a dedicated recovery area with nursing supervision. Most people are alert and ready to return to the ward within 30–60 minutes after each session.
- Course of Treatment: A standard ECT course consists of 6–12 sessions delivered 2–3 times per week, with the psychiatrist continuously assessing mood, cognition, and overall response.
- Post-Treatment Support: After completing ECT, a personalised maintenance plan — including medications, psychotherapy, and follow-up appointments — is designed to sustain and build on the improvements achieved.
ECT is clinically indicated for severe major depressive disorder, acute mania, treatment-resistant bipolar disorder, catatonia, and schizophrenia with severe symptoms. Studies consistently show response rates of 60–80% in treatment-resistant depression, making ECT one of the most effective interventions available in modern psychiatry.
At our facility, ECT is performed by a dedicated team of consultant psychiatrists, trained anaesthesiologists, and experienced recovery nurses in a purpose-built, fully equipped ECT suite. Patient safety, dignity, and informed consent are our highest priorities at every step of the process. We also offer comprehensive psychoeducation for families, helping loved ones understand the procedure, manage expectations, and support the patient’s recovery journey with confidence.
