An electric shock to the brain and the patient stuns… Know what is ECT, how do patients recover? – what is ECT how mental illness treat by this therapy current in brain can help to cure ntcpmm
The term “chemical locha” has been used in a Bollywood film. In the film, the hero is mentally disturbed, and the doctor attributes this to changes in the chemicals that maintain the brain’s balance. In real medicine as well, the chemicals that keep the mind and brain in balance are considered to play an important role.
Complete ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) is also considered a successful method to maintain this balance. Dr. Omprakash, a senior psychiatrist at IHBAS Delhi, explained in detail that, despite misconceptions—such as the belief that the treatment with electric current is painful or that it causes the patient to lose their memory—ECT is highly effective in the field of mental health therapy.
How Does ECT Help?
ECT helps by restoring the chemical balance of the brain. A controlled seizure is induced in the patient’s brain by using a light electric current. This therapy resets the chemical activities in the brain and balances chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are responsible for regulating mood and thoughts.
Improvement Comes Quickly
In general medical practice, patients are treated with medications, which can take weeks to show effects. However, ECT often shows improvement in just a few sessions.
The Reason Behind the Strong Effect
The process of ECT promotes neuroplasticity, which increases the brain’s ability to form new neural connections, ultimately improving mental health.
The Procedure of ECT:
First, the patient is given general anesthesia and muscle relaxants so that they remain unconscious and do not feel any pain. After this, a light electric current is passed through electrodes placed on the head. This produces a controlled seizure lasting only a few seconds in the brain. The entire procedure is completed in less than 10 minutes, and the patient quickly returns to normal. In this way, ECT is not only a safe and effective procedure but also plays an important role in restoring the chemical balance of the brain.
In What Situations Is ECT Used?
ECT is used in mental health conditions where symptoms are severe and do not improve with other treatments such as medications or psychotherapy.
- Severe Depression, especially with the risk of suicide (Depression with Suicidality):
- When the patient is thinking of suicide or is in danger.
- When the patient’s condition is so severe that they cannot perform daily tasks like eating, drinking, or talking.
- When medications and therapy are not improving the condition.
Why Is ECT Helpful?
- Rapid Improvement: ECT is the fastest and most effective treatment for severe depression.
- Suicide Prevention: While medications can take weeks to show results, ECT can control suicidal thoughts in just a few days, providing immediate mental stability.
- Life-saving: In critical situations where every minute counts, ECT proves to be extremely effective in saving the patient’s life.
- Catatonia:
- This is a serious condition in which the patient becomes completely inactive and may be unable to speak, eat, drink, or move. If left untreated, this condition can be fatal.
Why Is ECT Helpful?
ECT controls the symptoms of catatonia very quickly, reversing the condition and restoring the patient’s activity and health.
- Bipolar Disorder:
- When the patient is experiencing a manic episode (extreme excitement or aggression).
- Or when the patient is in a state of severe depression.
Why Is ECT Helpful?
ECT controls agitated behavior during manic episodes and brings rapid improvement in depression, allowing the patient to return to normal life.
- Schizophrenia:
- When the patient has catatonic symptoms.
- When the patient is behaving aggressively.
- When medications are not working.
Why Is ECT Helpful?
ECT controls symptoms in such cases and helps bring mental stability to the patient.
Dr. Omprakash’s Answers to Myths About ECT:
Myth 1: ECT is painful and unsafe. Is this true?
- Fact: This is a major misunderstanding. ECT is performed under general anesthesia and muscle relaxants. The patient remains unconscious during the procedure and feels no pain. ECT is completely safe and scientifically proven, and with modern technology, it is now painless.
Myth 2: ECT causes memory loss, and the patient loses their memory forever.
- Fact: This is incorrect. While ECT may cause short-term memory loss in some patients, it usually resolves within a few hours or days. The use of newer techniques, such as unilateral ECT and ultrabrief pulses, reduces this risk. Permanent memory loss is rare.
Myth 3: ECT is only used as a last resort, when all other treatments fail.
- Fact: This idea is not entirely correct. ECT can be used as first aid in emergency situations, such as severe depression with the risk of suicide, catatonia, or serious mania. ECT can be the first-line treatment in these cases because of its rapid effects. This means ECT can be a primary measure in life-saving situations, not just a last resort.
Myth 4: ECT is an old and obsolete method.
- Fact: This is also a misconception. Modern ECT techniques have made the procedure safe and effective. It is now highly precise and controlled, with the use of anesthesia and monitoring. Moreover, new technologies like ultrabrief pulses have further improved ECT, making it a scientifically proven and routine medical procedure.
