How does ECT affect the heart?
How does ECT affect the heart?
During ECT, heart rate and blood pressure increase, and in rare cases, that can lead to serious heart problems. If you have heart problems, ECT may be more risky.
Can ECT cause tachycardia?
Various cardiological side effects such as conduction abnormalities, especially asystole have been reported during or after ECT. [1] Ventricular tachycardia arising as a side effect of ECT has been seldom reported in the literature.
When is ECT contraindicated?
While there are no absolute contraindications to ECT, several relative contraindications exist. These include recent MI or stroke (generally within the last 30 days), increased intracranial pressure, active bleeding (especially from the central nervous system), retinal detachment, and unstable dentition.
What is the mechanism of action of ECT?
The main mechanism of action in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the induction of a generalized clonic seizure. This seizure is triggered by the delivery of an electric current to the patient’s brain using electrodes placed on the patient’s head.
Can ECT make you worse?
Some people have very bad experiences of ECT, for example because they feel worse after treatment or are given it without consent. You might not want to risk the possibility of getting side effects.
What are the negative side effects of ECT?
The most common side effects of ECT on the day of treatment include nausea, headache, fatigue, confusion, and slight memory loss, which may last minutes to hours. These risks must be balanced with the consequences of ineffectively treated severe psychiatric disorders.
What is shock therapy used for?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment most commonly used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. ECT involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia.
Does ECT cause low blood pressure?
Alterations in blood pressure are common but typically benign complications associated ECT. Hypertension as well as hypotension may be associated with ECT treatment.
What are some complications of ECT?
What medications should not be taken before ECT?
Medication Information: Benzodiazepines, Depakote, Lamictal, Neurontin, Trileptal – Do not take the night time dose or morning dose before your treatment. Lithium – Do not take for 24 hours before each treatment.
How many ECT treatments is too many?
It is important to realize that a ‘course ‘ of ECT entails a series of treatments given 2-3 times per week until maximal improvement has occurred. Most patients require 6 to 12 total treatments.
What does ECT do to brain?
It may promote changes in how brain cells communicate with each other at synapses and it may stimulate the development of new brain cells. ECT may flood the brain with neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are known to be involved in conditions like depression and schizophrenia.
