Electroconvulsive Therapy for Depression
Please use this topic: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in the Treatment of Severe Depression.
What is your topic?
Who is affected by this topic?
How does it affect the community as a whole?
Cost Associated to the issues
Short-term effects versus long-term effects
Who Is Affected by This Topic?
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) primarily affects individuals suffering from severe depression, especially those who are treatment-resistant or at risk for suicide. It also affects caregivers, mental health professionals, and family members who support patients undergoing ECT. Older people individuals and those with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder are common recipients of this therapy.
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Electroconvulsive Therapy for Depression
Community Impact
The use of ECT can significantly reduce the burden of severe depression within a community by improving mental health outcomes and restoring individuals to functional roles in society. When effective, ECT lowers hospitalization rates, enhances productivity, and reduces suicide rates, thereby benefiting overall public health and safety. However, stigma and misinformation about ECT still affect its acceptance and accessibility.
Cost Associated With the Issue
ECT can be expensive due to the need for anesthesia, specialized staff, and repeated sessions. In the U.S., each session may cost between $300 to $1,000, with a typical course involving 6–12 sessions. While costly upfront, ECT may reduce long-term healthcare expenses by preventing hospitalizations and chronic care.
Short-term vs. Long-term Effects
Short-term effects of ECT may include confusion, headaches, and temporary memory loss. However, long-term effects often include significant symptom relief and improved mood stability, making ECT a valuable option for chronic, severe depression.
References
Chaudhri, S. I., Amin, A., Panjiyar, B. K., Al-taie, D. S., AlEdani, E. M., Gurramkonda, J., & Hamid, P. (2024). A Comparison of the Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Ketamine and Electroconvulsive Therapy in the Management of Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Systematic Review. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.55596
Deng, Z.-D., Robins, P. L., Regenold, W., Rohde, P., Moritz Dannhauer, & Lisanby, S. H. (2023). How electroconvulsive therapy works in the treatment of depression: is it the seizure, the electricity, or both? Neuropsychopharmacology, 49(1), 150–162. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386- 023-01677-2
Guo, Q., Wang, Y., Guo, L., Li, X., Ma, X., He, X., Li, J., Zhang, X., & Shang, S. (2024). Long-term cognitive effects of electroconvulsive therapy in major depressive disorder: A systematic review and m
