Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in Arkansas

If you're interested in electroconvulsive therapy in Arkansas (ECT), you likely have questions about how the process works. At Arkansas Psychiatric Clinic, we're proud to offer safe and painless ECT therapy to our patients. Keep reading to learn more about what ECT treatment entails.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy?

Given under general anesthesia, ECT helps to correct mental health issues by delivering an electrical current to the brain. After anesthesia and a muscle relaxant are administered, electrodes are placed on the scalp. Safely, an electrical current is administered, creating a brief convulsion.

Patients have no memory of the procedure after waking up. Many psychiatrists recommend that patients use medication in addition to ECT to achieve maximum results.

Does Electroconvulsive Therapy Hurt?

It's normal to wonder whether electroconvulsive therapy hurts. In movies and popular culture, ECT is often portrayed as a painful, stressful procedure. Today, this is not the case. ECT is safe, painless, and does not create traumatic memories of shocks or seizures.

Wondering what to expect from electroconvulsive therapy? You're not alone. It's normal to have questions about what ECT will be like. Here at Arkansas Psychiatric Clinic, our trained and licensed staff members are here to work with you and answer all your questions about ECT.

Who is a Good Candidate for ECT?

Generally, ECT treatment is best for people who have mental health issues that have not responded well to other types of treatment. While it's recommended that ECT patients use medication in conjunction with treatment, some people choose ECT as an alternative to medication. People who are pregnant, older adults who can't tolerate certain psychiatric medications, and people who are not interested in medication for personal reasons may be good candidates for ECT.

It's important that you work closely with your mental health treatment team to learn whether ECT may be a good fit for you. Do not stop your medication or therapy when you go through ECT unless your healthcare team instructs you to do so.

Reach Out to Arkansas Psychiatric Clinic Today

If you have questions about electroconvulsive therapy, we're here to help. Reach out to us today to learn more about the ECT process, and to discover whether you may be a good candidate for ECT. Arkansas Psychiatric's Dr. Robert Jarvis provides ECT services through The BridgeWay Hospital in North Little Rock and will work with you to determine the best course of action.