Electroconvulsive therapy, also known as ECT or shock therapy, is by far the most controversial treatment for mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a non-drug treatment for bipolar disease and other mental disorders, such as severe depression. It is commonly called shock therapy. ECT has received bad publicity since it was introduced in the 1930s due to the manner it was conducted and bad side effects. But, over the years it has been refined, and is now considered a very safe treatment. Research shows that ECT is helpful in 80% of treated patients.

ECT is particularly beneficial for:

• Patients who need immediate stabilization of their condition
• Patients who cannot wait for medications to work
• Most patients with mania -- especially elderly patients with severe mania
• Patients who suffer suicidal thoughts and guilt during the depressive phase
• Pregnant patients who cant take medications
• Patients who cannot tolerate drug treatments
• Patients with severe disabling depression
• Patients with treatment-resistant depression, mania, or psychosis

ECT is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require hospitalization. Prior to ECT treatment, a person is given a muscle relaxant and general anesthesia. Electrodes are placed on the patients scalp and a finely controlled electric current is applied that causes a brief seizure in the brain. Because the muscles are relaxed, the seizure will usually be limited to slight movement of the hands and feet. Patients are carefully monitored during the treatment. The patient awakens minutes later, does not remember the treatment or events surrounding the treatment along with some confusion. This confusion typically lasts for only a short period of time.

ECT is given up to three times a week for two to four weeks. In extremely rare cases, ECT can cause heart attack, stroke, or death. People with certain heart problems usually are not good candidates for ECT. Short-term memory loss is the major side effect, although this usually goes away one to two weeks after treatment.

Other possible temporary side effects include:

• Confusion
• Nausea
• Headache
• Jaw pain