Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), is one of the most trusted and effective treatments in
all of medicine. ECT is a safe, modern treatment for severe depression, bipolar disorder
and schizophrenia. It is usually reserved for patients with more serious forms of these
illnesses, and typically when other treatments have not been helpful enough.
ECT consists of a series of treatments done under full general anesthesia by a team of
healthcare specialists in a specially equipped procedure room. Most patients receive
treatment three times a week for 2-4 weeks, until their symptoms are gone.
Often, some additional "continuation" or "maintenance" treatments are recommended in
the weeks following recovery, in order to ensure that the patient remains well. Patients
usually also stay on psychiatric medications to help manage symptoms and prevent
relapse.
The side effects of ECT include headache and nausea for an hour or so after the
treatment; often, analgesic and anti-nausea medications can help keep patients
comfortable. ECT also causes some temporary confusion and memory loss. For most
patients this is a nuisance, but not a serious problem.
Modern ECT techniques allow patients to get well with far less memory loss than in
years past. ECT patient receives a type of ECT tailored to their individual needs, with
attention paid to getting them well quickly, and with the least amount of memory
disruption.
The remarkable benefits of ECT allow many people to get back to doing the things they
need and like to do in their lives, even after they have been very sick for long periods of
time. It is so important to get the facts about modern ECT and not to be misled by
inaccurate, sensationalized, and outdated accounts in the media.

ECT at NYCH is directed by Dr. Charles Kellner, an internationally-known expert in
ECT. The process to get ECT involves being referred by a psychiatrist, and then
scheduling an office consultation with Dr. Kellner. If ECT is recommended, and the
patient wishes to proceed, certain medical and laboratory test are required; these can be
done either at NYCH or by the patient's own medical doctor.
The ECT program at New York Community Hospital operates on an all outpatient basis.
The ECT healthcare team at NYCH looks forward to serving the needs of the local
Brooklyn, and Greater New York, communities. For more information please call: 718-
692-8934.