Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, effective and well-established treatment for severe depression. During ECT, we induce a seizure by passing a controlled amount of electricity through electrodes placed on the head. The treatment is performed under general anaesthesia and with muscle relaxants.
Electroconvulsive therapy is used particularly when psychological treatment or medication has not been sufficient, or when medication is not recommended (for example, due to troublesome side effects). The method may also be appropriate for mania, severe depression with refusal to eat, risk of suicide and delusions, and some forms of schizophrenia.
ECT is often given as a series of several treatments, spaced a few days apart. The number of treatments is determined based on your response. Treatment is voluntary and is given with your consent.
ECT is a treatment provided by specialist mental health services. A psychiatrist or specialist psychologist will assess whether ECT may be a suitable treatment for you.
Before treatment, you will have a general medical examination. If you have other conditions, such as heart or lung disease, additional tests and X-rays may be needed. The examinations are carried out on an outpatient basis or while you are admitted to hospital.
You will receive information about the treatment and aboutThe National Quality Register for Electroconvulsive Therapy.
ECT is performed under general anaesthesia. You must therefore fast for 6 hours before ECT.
The treatment itself takes a few minutes. Healthcare professionals will monitor you before, during and after the treatment. Most people want to rest for a couple of hours after ECT.
ECT may cause memory difficulties during and after treatment. The severity of these difficulties can vary from person to person. In some cases, more long-lasting memory problems may occur, involving the loss of certain personal memories. These memory problems mainly affect memories from the weeks and months before ECT treatment.
After treatment is complete, we will plan maintenance treatment and preventive measures to help prevent a relapse of your mental health condition.
We have an outpatient clinic and inpatient unit at Liane Ringvei 33 in Kristiansand.
Outpatient clinic and mobile emergency team at the hospital site at Eg, Andreas Kjærsvei 101 in Kristiansandbuilding 22and 22B.
Liane Ringvei 33
PO Box 416, 4604 Kristiansand