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Mills-Peninsula Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Mills-Peninsula psychiatrists have been helping people overcome severe depression with ECT for more than 50 years. Doctors here have treated thousands of people safely and effectively. To find out more or refer a patient for ECT, call (650) 696-4666.

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In a Crisis? Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK

If this is an emergency, call 911.

ECT – Safe and Effective

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure that passes a small electric current through your brain to treat depression and other debilitating behavioral health illnesses. In many cases, ECT can significantly reduce or even reverse symptoms such as severe depression, suicidal thoughts, mania and catatonia.

You may be a candidate for ECT if medication or other treatments have not worked. ECT is done in a hospital setting while you are under general anesthesia. Patients typically receive treatments that are initially a few times per week and then space out to every week for approximately six to 12 weeks.

ECT itself takes about five to 10 minutes, with added time for preparation and recovery. For your first treatment(s), you may be admitted to the hospital, with subsequent treatments as an outpatient.

Preparing for ECT

  • Before ECT, you receive medicine to relax you (muscle relaxant). You also receive a short-acting anesthetic to minimize any pain.
  • The medical team places electrodes on your scalp to monitor your brain activity and deliver the electric current.

Side Effects

Risks and side effects may include confusion, memory loss, physical side effects and medical complications. These risks will vary by patient. Discuss your ECT treatment plan and its potential risks and side effects with your doctor.

Patient Information

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Interested in becoming a Sutter patient? Here’s what you need to know about health plans, choosing a doctor and how to get started today.

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Understanding Depression

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Is It Sadness or Depression?

When does feeling bad signal clinical depression? Learn the signs and symptoms.

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Depression Symptoms by Age Group

Learn how the signs of depression and triggers differ in children, teens, adults and seniors.

Antidepressants

Help for Clinical Depression

Depression is a complex disease. Learn how to treat depression with talk therapy, antidepressants and more.

Alcohol Epidemiology Research

Sutter Health Alcohol Epidemiology Research
Alcohol affects us in many ways – both helpful and harmful. Just a glass a day can help prevent type 2 diabetes, heart disease and gallstones. Much more can cause cancer, liver and kidney disease, and brain damage. Research is key to understanding alcohol’s affect on our bodies, families and society.

Sutter Health Alcohol Epidemiology Research Sutter Health Alcohol Epidemiology Research

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Mills Health Center

Mills Health Center

100 South San Mateo Drive

San Mateo, CA 94401

(650) 696-5400

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