Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

When medications and talk therapy are not enough, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can provide rapid relief for people with severe mental health conditions. At Banner Health, our specialist team uses ECT in a safe, controlled hospital setting, combining advanced treatment with supportive, compassionate care. 

What is ECT? 

ECT is a brain stimulation treatment in which small electrical currents are passed through the brain under general anesthesia to trigger a controlled seizure. This process can quickly change brain chemistry and help ease symptoms of serious mood and psychiatric disorders. 

During ECT: 

• You receive anesthesia and a muscle relaxant, so you are not awake and do not feel the seizure. 
• Electrodes are placed on the scalp and a brief electrical current triggers the seizure, which lasts about 30 to 60 seconds. 
• Your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels are monitored before, during and after the procedure. 
• ECT can be provided in an inpatient or outpatient setting depending on your needs. 

Who may benefit from ECT? 

ECT may help people who are experiencing: 

• Severe depression that has not improved with medication or psychotherapy 
• Bipolar disorder with major depressive or manic episodes 
• Catatonia 
• Agitation, aggression or psychosis linked to dementia 
• Severe symptoms that require fast relief, including suicidal thoughts 

ECT may also be recommended if: 

• You are unable to tolerate side effects from psychiatric medications 
• You are pregnant and need a treatment option that works quickly 
• You are an older adult with medical conditions that limit medication choices

What to expect during ECT

Evaluation and preparation

Before the first treatment, you will meet with a psychiatrist and an anesthesiologist. They will review your health history, perform a physical exam and make sure you are medically safe for ECT.

The treatment session

• The procedure itself lasts only a few minutes, but you should plan on one to two hours from check-in to recovery.
• Most people receive ECT two or three times a week for several weeks, usually 8 to 12 sessions.
• Some people continue with a maintenance phase to help prevent symptoms from returning.

When results begin

Many patients begin to notice improvement after several treatments, often faster than with medications alone. After treatment, your care team will recommend ongoing medications or therapy to support long-term recovery.

Risks and side effects

ECT is considered safe when performed in a modern medical setting, but some side effects can occur, including:

• Headache or nausea after treatment
• Temporary confusion when waking up
• Memory problems, especially for events shortly before or after a treatment session

Less common risks include:

• Ongoing memory concerns
• Medical complications related to anesthesia

Your provider will review possible risks and benefits before you begin treatment.

How ECT works

While the exact process is still being studied, ECT is known to:

• Improve communication between nerve cells
• Increase levels of key neurotransmitters
• Support new neural connections
• Provide faster relief for certain severe conditions compared to medication alone

ECT at Banner Health

Banner Health offers ECT services provided by skilled psychiatrists, anesthesiologists and mental health professionals who focus on safety, comfort and personalized care. Our team provides:

• A complete medical and psychiatric evaluation
• State of the art monitoring and equipment
• Guidance and support before, during and after treatment
• Coordination with ongoing therapy and medication plans

Find a Banner Health behavioral health specialist today to learn whether ECT may be right for you.