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Sutter Center for Psychiatry Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

If you or someone you love suffers from a severe behavioral health condition and other treatments have not worked, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may provide rapid relief to help you feel better and improve your quality of life. ECT can help symptoms of severe depression, bipolar disorder and catatonia.

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For Referrals and Appointments, Call (916) 386-3620

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 911 immediately.

ECT

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure that utilizes an electric stimulus that moves through your brain to treat depression and other debilitating behavioral health illnesses. In many cases, ECT may significantly reduce or even reverse symptoms such as severe depression 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 stimulus.

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.

Further information regarding the possible risks and side effects of ECT treatment can be found here: eCFR :: 21 CFR 882.5940 -- Electroconvulsive therapy device.

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Mental Health Research

Sutter Health Mental Health Research
About 26 percent of Americans each year suffer from a mental health disorder like depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and anorexia. Our mental health affects our family, our job, how well we live and how soon we die. It’s important to find effective treatments and ways to prevent the damage from mental illness.

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Sutter Center for Psychiatry

Sutter Center for Psychiatry

7700 Folsom Blvd.

Sacramento, CA 95826

(916) 386-3000

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