What preparation is needed prior to ECT?
Before ECT, patients are asked not to eat or drink from midnight the night before treatment. During the procedure, the patient receives a short acting anesthetic agent which puts the patient to sleep for approximately 5-10 minutes.
What does a pre ECT evaluation include?
1) psychiatric history, including past response to ECT , 2) mental status examination, including a cognitive examination 3) general medical history and examination to identify medical risks of ECT focusing on neurologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary systems, and effects of previous anesthesia inductions, 4) review of all …
Can you eat or drink before an ECT?
Call Us! 8 hours before you get ECT, stop eating and drinking anything except water and black coffee (no cream or sugar).
Do you have to shave your head for electroconvulsive therapy?
During surgery prep, you’ll have your head shaved. You may be kept unconscious throughout brain surgery with general anesthesia or stay awake with a local anesthetic used on your scalp. A sturdy frame will hold your head to prevent movement during surgery.
What type of anesthesia is used for ECT?
Methohexital is most commonly used and is the preferred anesthetic for ECT because of its established safety record, effectiveness, and low cost. Propofol, while an effective induction anesthetic, has the greatest anticonvulsant properties of commonly used agents for ECT.
What medications should be stopped before ECT?
Medication Information: Benzodiazepines, Depakote, Lamictal, Neurontin, Trileptal – Do not take the night time dose or morning dose before your treatment. Lithium – Do not take for 24 hours before each treatment. Glucophage/Metformin – Do not take for 12 hours before each treatment.
What should I monitor after ECT?
The recovery area shall also contain ECG monitoring and pulse oximetry devices. Equipment shall be available in both the ECT treatment area and the recovery area to • provide suction; • deliver intermittent positive-pressure oxygen; and • monitor vital signs, including cardiac rhythm and hemoglobin oxygen saturation.
What is the criteria for ECT?
Current ECT Study Patient Criteria 18 to 90 years of age. Diagnosis of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or any other mood disorder, history of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, other functional psychosis, or rapid cycling bipolar disorder. ECT indicated. Willing and capable of providing informed …
What do you wear to ECT?
On the day of your procedure, do not wear jewelry or contact lenses. You’ll receive an intravenous line (IV), so dress comfortably and opt for a t-shirt or tank top. During the ECT treatment, you will receive medication through the IV that will put you to sleep for the duration of the treatment.
Can ECT change your 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.
When should ECT not be used?
a past history of moderate or severe depression or. initial presentation of subthreshold depressive symptoms that have been present for a long period (typically at least 2 years) or. subthreshold depressive symptoms or mild depression that persist(s) after other interventions.
What should be included in a pre ECT evaluation?
Additional tests, procedures, and consultations may be indicated, on an individual basis. Such a policy should include all the following: 1. psychiatric history and examination to determine the indication for ECT. The history should include an assessment of the effects of any prior ECT. 2. a medical evaluation to define risk factors.
When to use ECT as a secondary treatment?
ECT is most often used as a secondary treatment when a patient has shown insufficient improvement with prescribed treatment (s), which usually includes pharmacotherapy.
What are the medical guidelines for electroconvulsive therapy?
Guidelines: Providers should assure review of medical conditions that may substantially increase risk during the delivery of ECT. A medical history and physical examination are essential before prescribing of ECT to determine risk factors and minimize risks.
Do you need an obstetric consultation before ECT?
Pregnant patients should receive an obstetric consultation prior to ECT. Nursing mothers should be informed of the effect medications may have on breast milk and what steps may be taken to decrease infant exposure.