Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) In Cape Town To Relieve Depression
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) In Cape Town can be an effective and safe procedure to relieve symptoms of depression when other treatments have failed. After completing a series of them, Stephen Wellman was furious, but not for the reasons one would expect. He underwent a series of procedures in which his psychiatrist sent electric waves through his brain. Within two weeks, his depressive symptoms improved.
After years of experimenting with one pill after another, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) was finally the answer to his suffering. He asked himself in frustration: Why didn’t my doctor suggest it earlier?
Depression sufferers can usually manage their illness effectively with the right medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. However, in the case of a person suffering from long-term depression, or ineffective medication, doctors sometimes consider Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). This treatment stimulates the brain with short electrical stimuli that cause slight convulsions and help relieve symptoms.
With Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), the brain shows the same changes as after using antidepressants, but it just works faster.
Does the idea of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) still shock you?
Shock therapy, or electroconvulsive therapy, is dramatically portrayed in the 1975 film One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, precisely to shock the audience. Since then, the media has illustrated the controversial procedure as cruel and barbaric. In the past, doctors administered shock therapy with high electrical charges without anaesthesia and muscle relaxants.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Is A Modern Procedure
Although this treatment has been used since the 1930s, modern Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is certainly not old-fashioned. Nowadays, psychiatrists perform this efficient procedure under strict measures in a licensed facility with the patient’s full consent.
The duration, quality and strength of the current are carefully determined and controlled. Before the treatment, a psychiatrist will determine the correct dosage, placement of electrodes, and electrical stimuli parameters.
During the procedure, the patient is fully anaesthetised. All measures are taken to make the treatment as comfortable as possible.
As in Stephen’s case, modern Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) can be a successful alternative to severe depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) at a Private Mental Health Hospital
At Claro Clinic, one of Life Path Health’s private mental health hospitals, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in Cape Town is performed with great success under the supervision of psychiatrists, anaesthetists and caring hospital staff. With the patient under anaesthesia, two electrodes are placed against the temples. Light electric waves are applied with an Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) machine.
The procedure takes five to ten minutes after which the patient wakes up spontaneously. Slight confusion after the procedure is typical while the patient is carefully observed by nursing staff.
Life Path Health’s private hospitals provide stylish inpatient hospitalisation at medical aid rates for conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and schizophrenia. Claro Clinic also has a separate department for addiction treatment. The hospitals’ multi-professional teams consist of psychiatrists, psychologists, compassionate nursing staff, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
Treating depression can be a complicated process, but the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to treat.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in Cape Town is offered at Claro Clinic, a licensed ECT-facility.
Read More:
What Is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?
Download The Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Brochure
Where can I get help?
Life Path Health’s 24/7-Helpline can give advice on licensed doctors and therapists in your area. Tel: 072 7900 506