What are the long term side effects of ECT?

What are the long term side effects of ECT?

The most persistent adverse effect is retrograde amnesia. Shortly after ECT, most patients have gaps in their memory for events that occurred close in time to the course of ECT, but the amnesia may extend back several months or years. Retrograde amnesia usually improves during the first few months after ECT.

When should you not use ECT?

The following strategies should not be used routinely: augmentation of an antidepressant with a benzodiazepine for more than 2 weeks as there is a risk of dependence. augmentation of an antidepressant with buspirone*, carbamazepine*, lamotrigine* or valproate* as there is insufficient evidence for their use.

What are the negative side effects of ECT?

What are the risks and side-effects of ECT?

• loss of memory about the events immediately before and after ECT.
• heart rhythm disturbances.
• low blood pressure.
• headaches.
• nausea.
• sore muscles, aching jaw.
• confusion.

Is ECT safe or painless?

ECT uses a small electrical current to briefly stimulate the brain. It’s performed under anaesthetic in a hospital. Evidence shows that ECT clears symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses. ECT is safe, painless and effective in treating depression.

Has anyone died from ECT?

Conclusion: The ECT-related mortality rate was estimated at 2.1 per 100 000 treatments. In comparison, a recent analysis of the mortality of general anesthesia in relation to surgical procedures reported a mortality rate of 3.4 per 100 000. Our findings document that death caused by ECT is an extremely rare event.

Can ECT make you worse?

ECT may have a role in people who have comorbid depression and anxiety. The concern of some psychiatrists is that while ECT may help with depressive symptoms, it could worsen anxiety symptoms, including obsessional thoughts or panic attacks.

Does ECT lower IQ?

However, former patients have publicly testified that ECT can result in a very significant (>30 point) permanent decrement in IQ score (Food and Drug Administration, 1982; Andre, 2001; Cott, 2005: p.

Can ECT make you more depressed?

ECT may flood the brain with neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are known to be involved in conditions like depression and schizophrenia.

Why is ECT bad?

As with any type of medical procedure, especially one that involves anesthesia, there are risks of medical complications. During ECT, heart rate and blood pressure increase, and in rare cases, that can lead to serious heart problems. If you have heart problems, ECT may be more risky.

Can ECT damage your teeth?

During ECT, the muscles of the jaw can contract and exert high pressure on the teeth. The incisors are particularly at risk because they are normally inclined forwards. An uneven load distribution may result in fracture or loosening of teeth, which may cause more serious complications if they are aspirated.

Will ECT changed my personality?

ECT does not change a person’s personality, nor is it designed to treat those with just primary “personality disorders.” ECT can cause transient short-term memory — or new learning — impairment during a course of ECT, which fully reverses usually within one to four weeks after an acute course is stopped.

What are the dangers of ECT?

Side effects from ECT include memory loss, even permanent loss, fractured bones, headaches and even death. Serious complications do exist, particularly the risk for permanent brain damage.

What are the risks of ECT?

Like any medical procedure, ECT is has some risks. ECT treatment has been associated with short-term memory loss and difficulty learning. Some people have trouble remembering events that occurred in the weeks before the treatment or earlier. In most cases, memory problems improve within a couple of months.

What are the long term effects of ECT?

Though positive outcomes from ECT therapy develop quite soon after treatment, patients should be aware of the risks of ECT and the long-term side effects that still exist. These include: Headaches and General Pain: Pain and discomfort vary by patient, but often remain mild to moderate.

What effect does ECT have on the brain?

During ECT, a small amount of electrical current is sent to the brain. This current induces a seizure that affects the entire brain, including the parts that control mood, appetite, and sleep.