How Modified ECT Works: A Step-by-Step Guide for Patients and Families

When you hear the terms “electroconvulsive therapy” and “mental health”, you might find the concept intimidating, even outdated. However, modern-day modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is very different from what you probably imagine.

It’s safe, carefully monitored, and doctors often use it when other treatments haven’t adequately helped some severe mental illnesses. We’ll help you understand it better. 

What Exactly Is Modified ECT?

Let’s start with the basics. The ECT full form is electroconvulsive therapy. It’s a medical treatment that passes electrical currents through the brain in a controlled manner to create a mild seizure. The goal is to help reset certain brain chemicals linked to mood and emotions.

ECT has existed for quite some time, but the modern procedure is “modified” because doctors perform it under anaesthesia and with muscle relaxants. This modification makes the whole process safer and more comfortable. People who get this treatment don’t feel pain during the session and usually wake up a few minutes later without remembering the procedure itself. 

When Is Modified ECT Recommended?

Doctors may suggest modified ECT therapy when medications and psychotherapy do not bring enough improvement. They commonly use it for conditions like severe depression, bipolar disorder with extreme mood swings, schizophrenia, and catatonia. Having said that, you should not see ECT just as a last resort. In many cases, it helps people return to regular life much faster than other treatments. 

Understanding the Procedure

If you’ve been wondering what actually happens during ECT, here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect at BetterPlace. 

Step 1: The Evaluation Before Treatment

Your psychiatrist and medical team will start with a thorough assessment, which includes physical check-ups, blood tests, ECG, and sometimes brain scans. They complete this to ensure the procedure is safe for you. An anaesthetist will then review your medical history, and your doctor will discuss the possible side effects. 

Step 2: Preparing for the Session

On the day of the procedure, your doctor will ask you to fast for a couple of hours. The nurse will attach small electrodes to your scalp to monitor brain activity. They will also place a cannula in your arm to administer medication. Our team guides you through every step and explains what’s happening so you feel comfortable.

Step 3: Anaesthesia and Muscle Relaxation

Once everything is ready, the anaesthetist will give you medication that puts you to sleep within seconds. They will follow this with a muscle relaxant to ensure that your body stays calm and still during the procedure. Don’t worry—you won’t feel or remember the procedure. Our team monitors your heart rate, oxygen levels, and brain activity throughout.

Step 4: The Actual ECT Process

The psychiatrist then delivers a carefully measured electric current through the electrodes for a few seconds. This action triggers a controlled seizure, which lasts for about 20 to 60 seconds. While it might sound alarming, this seizure is the key part of the modified ECT procedure; it helps the brain rebalance major neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. 

Step 5: Recovery and Monitoring

After the treatment, our doctors monitor you as you wake up. Most people wake up within 10-15 minutes. You might feel slightly groggy or disoriented for a short while. You can have a light meal soon after and go home the same day. However, the doctor might advise staying longer if needed.  A full course typically requires multiple sessions spread across several weeks. But the total length of your treatment depends on how you respond. 

What to Expect After Treatment

In many cases, people start noticing improvements in mood, sleep, and energy after just a few sessions. For best results, your psychiatrist may prescribe medications or therapy alongside ECT. This combined approach ensures you feel the benefits for longer and prevents any possible relapse. 

Supporting Your Loved One Through ECT

First off, it’s wonderful that you are learning on behalf of a loved one. If a family member is undergoing ECT, your reassurance and understanding make a big difference. Attend sessions with them when allowed, ask questions, and help track their progress. Remember, your emotional support is as important as medical care. Encourage them to share how they feel and to stay consistent with follow-up appointments. 

A Modern Path to Recovery

While it may sound scary, modified ECT isn’t something to fear. With modern medical technology, anaesthesia, and expert monitoring, it’s a safe and effective treatment that helps thousands regain control over their lives every year. Understanding what happens during the process reduces anxiety and builds the confidence to go ahead with the procedure. If you or someone you love has been advised to consider modified ECT therapy, remember that you’re not alone. Trained professionals at BetterPlace, including psychiatrists, anaesthetists, and psychologists, guide you through each step. If you have more questions about modified ECT, contact the specialised team at BetterPlace today to schedule a confidential consultation.