Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a modern, safe, treatment for certain severe psychiatric disorders. By causing a series of short, painless, brain seizures under general anesthesia, ECT is highly effective for those suffering from:
- severe depression
- schizophrenia
- schizoaffective disorder
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- bipolar disorder, or mixed bipolar states, including mania
- catatonia, a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by abnormal movements, behaviors, and withdrawal
- and severe cases of postpartum psychosis
ECT is also recommended for those who have been resistant to or intolerant of medication treatment.
ECT treatment involves a series of treatments performed in a dedicated surgical suite with a team of health professionals, i.e., a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist and nurses, who are experienced in ECT treatment and care, and is offered as an inpatient or outpatient treatment option; or an occasional overnight stay. ECT is also effective as acute and maintenance treatment for relapse prevention.
Meet our Electroconvulsive Therapy Team:
The Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) team at RWJBarnabas Health are internationally recognized experts in the field of ECT. Our psychiatrists deliver specialized care in Neuropsychiatry and Electroconvulsive Therapy for the treatment of severe neuropsychiatric disorders.
ECT is available at Clara Mass Medical Center in Belleville and Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, NJ.