The Truth About ECT for Bipolar
If you have tried everything for your bipolar illness and have not gotten anywhere, you might have overwhelming feelings of helplessness and desperation. The good news is that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) might help.
ECT has been around since the 1930s. However, there is a lot of stigma surrounding this therapy due to the way it has been portrayed in movies and books. Once known as “electroshock therapy,” ECT has frequently been represented as barbaric or inhumane because of how it was once performed. Today, ECT is performed in a much safer way than in the past.
For many people with bipolar disorder, ECT is quite remarkable. It has given many people with the disorder their lives back.
What is ECT?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure that is used to induce a minor and brief seizure. Electrical currents are passed into the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp. This triggers the seizure. Scientists believe that this process “reboots” the brain in some way, and helps resolve symptoms.
Does ECT Work?
ECT is a great bipolar remedy for more severe symptoms or treatment resistant bipolar. Tons of research has shown that ECT is very effective for severe mania, depression, and catatonia. Around 90 percent of people with severe bipolar depression improve with ECT. For catatonia, the success rate is up to 93 percent.
Learn more about catatonia.
When To Consider ECT for Bipolar Disorder?
According to the latest clinical guidelines, electroconvulsive therapy is appropriate for those who have:
Severe manic episodes (as seen in bipolar one)
Treatment resistant depressive episodes
Bipolar disorder with mixed features
Catatonia
ECT is also used when a quick response is needed due to psychoisis or suicidal ideation. It is also ideal for those who are extremely agitated and at risk of causing harm to themselves or others. ECT can bring about an improvement in symptoms right away. Medications can take some time to work.
ECT is also ideal for pregnant women who have bipolar disorder. Medications carry the risk of side effects, some very serious, and may not be able to be used during pregnancy, but ECT can be used.
What Is It Like To Get ECT?
Electroconvulsive therapy is done under general anesthesia, which means that you will be asleep. You will also likely receive muscle relaxants. Electrodes will be placed on your scalp for the treatment. During the procedure, your oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure are carefully monitored.
You won’t be able to drive the day of treatment, so it’s important to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure if you are not in the hospital.
ECT is usually given two times a week or more. Several sessions will be needed to see an effect. The exact number of ECT treatments that you will need will depend on the severity of your symptoms.
Side Effects of ECT for Bipolar Disorder
Like any treatment, ECT can have side effects. Some of the more common side effects may include:
Memory loss
Headaches
Nausua
Fatigue
Confusion
Muscle aches
Most of these side effects are minor and transient. Both short-term and long-term memory loss can occur with ECT. However, this tends to reverse within six months of stopping ECT. Rare side effects can occur and may include adverse reactions to the anesthesia, heart arrhythmias, stroke, and prolonged seizures.
Treatment-resistant bipolar illness is no fun. However, don’t lose hope. It’s helpful to remember that ECT is an option.
