Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)---ages 13 and above
ECT is one of the most effective treatments in Modern Medicine,
however, due to a variety of factors, is the most misunderstood. In our capable hands, with ECT, we are able to help 9 out of 10 patients that undergo this therapy for depression, that have not improved with medications or other therapies. ECT is approved by the U.S. FDA (Food & Drug Administration), and the U.S. NIMH (National Institutes of Mental Health), and is practiced worldwide. It is a covered treatment by all Health Insurance and Managed Care Companies, including Medicare. The Basics of ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy): ECT is a Medical Treatment involving General Anesthesia (performed by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist in my practice). Once you are asleep, the Anesthesiologist gives you a Muscle Relaxant. Afterwards, monitoring pads are put in place (the red and black patches in the picture). Then, two stimulating electrodes are applied to start a brief seizure lasting 15 to 45 seconds (the black handles in the picture). The amount of electricity used is a fraction of what Cardiologists use to shock the heart (note the Anesthesiologist's hand holding up the chin; you can touch an ECT patient without feeling a shock; you cannot touch a Cardiac patient when they are undergoing electrical treatment). Once the seizure is over, you wake up in about 5 minutes, and are taken to the recovery area. There, our ECT Recovery Nurse monitors you for 45 minutes, and then you are discharged home. A typical course of ECT is 6 to 12 treatments, followed by a taper off schedule. Long Term or "Maintenance" ECT is also offered. This is a very simple explanation of a complex treatment. It is not without potential side effects; Headaches, Muscle Aches, and the most talked about, Memory Loss. During our Consultation, I will be honest with you about these side effects, and how we can manage them, or, decide that this is not the proper treatment for you. Unlike other ECT Psychiatrists in the community, during our Consultation, if indicated, you will undergo an extensive questioning of your life and family history to determine if you have been diagnosed correctly, and, if ECT is an appropriate treatment for you. If alternatives to ECT are appropriate, they will will be presented to you. You will be given time to voice any concerns or questions. Also, with your approval, a copy of the ECT Consultation will be sent to your referring Psychiatrist. I am the only ECT Physician in Arizona that attends the Annual Meeting of the International Society of ECT and Neurostimulation (ISEN) for over the past decade. This meeting has ECT experts from around the globe present the latest findings in ECT. I encourage you to please compare me to other ECT Physicians and Departments in the Valley: To schedule an ECT Consultation, please call: West Valley: Aurora Glendale (623) 344-2859 East Valley: Aurora Tempe (480) 222-1340 All Health Insurances accepted, except AETNA AHCCCS MercyCare & AHCCCS AZ Complete now cover ECT with us. |
As of December 2019, we have added Infrared Vein Finders for the much easier process of starting IVs.
No other ECT Departments in The Valley have this option; |