Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment for severe mental illness in which a brief, controlled electrical pulse is given to the brain under general anaesthesia to cause a short seizure that can relieve symptoms. It is mainly used for severe or treatment-resistant depression, and in some cases for catatonia, severe mania and schizophrenia. At Calida Rehab, our psychiatrists at our Pune centre and our Mumbai Region – Karjat centre assess whether ECT is appropriate, explain the option to the person and family, and provide medication, therapy and relapse-prevention care around it.
- Best for: severe depression, treatment-resistant depression, catatonia, and some cases of severe mania or schizophrenia
- Approach: a medical treatment given under anaesthesia and muscle relaxant, decided by a psychiatrist after assessment
- Typical course: a series of sessions, often 2 to 3 a week for several weeks, as decided by the doctor
- Care around ECT: psychiatric and physical assessment, informed consent, medication review, aftercare and relapse prevention
- Legal safeguards in India: ECT must be given with anaesthesia and muscle relaxants and cannot be given to minors (Mental Healthcare Act, 2017)
- Where: assessment and ongoing care at our Pune centre and Mumbai Region – Karjat centre
- Last updated: November 2026
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What Is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?
ECT is one of the oldest treatments in psychiatry and one of the most misunderstood. Modern ECT is very different from the scenes shown in films. The person is given a short general anaesthetic and a muscle relaxant, so they are asleep, do not feel pain, and the body does not shake strongly. A brief electrical pulse is passed through electrodes placed on the scalp. This causes a controlled seizure in the brain that lasts about a minute or less. The person wakes within minutes and is watched by the team until they recover.
Doctors do not fully understand how ECT works. It is thought to change brain chemistry and the activity of brain networks in ways that can lift severe symptoms, often faster than medicines.
ECT is a decision for a psychiatrist, taken together with the person and family after a full assessment. It is usually used when other treatments have not worked, or when the illness is so severe that a quick response is needed.
Why ECT Is Important
Severe depression can stop a person from eating, drinking, sleeping or speaking, and can bring a high risk of suicide. Some people do not improve after several medicines or therapy. In these situations ECT can work faster than medicines and can be life-saving.
ECT is also used for catatonia and for some cases of severe mania. The decision always weighs the benefits, the risks and the wishes of the person.
How ECT Works
ECT is planned and given step by step by a trained team that includes a psychiatrist and an anaesthetist.
Typical stages of care
- Assessment and decision: a psychiatrist reviews the illness, past treatments, physical health and the person’s wishes. ECT is advised only when it is clinically appropriate.
- Physical check: an examination, blood tests, an ECG and a review by an anaesthetist check that the treatment is safe. Current medicines are reviewed.
- Informed consent: the person and family are told about the benefits, the risks including memory effects, and the alternatives. Consent is taken as required by law.
- The session: under a short anaesthetic and muscle relaxant, and with heart, blood pressure and oxygen monitored, a brief electrical pulse is given. The seizure lasts up to about a minute. The person wakes within minutes and rests in a recovery area.
- Course of treatment: sessions are repeated, usually 2 to 3 times a week. A course commonly has about 6 to 12 sessions. Response is reviewed regularly and the doctor decides when to stop.
- Aftercare and relapse prevention: symptoms can return after a course, so medicines, therapy and follow-up continue. Some people need maintenance ECT.
The number of sessions depends on the illness, the response and the person’s health. Every person responds at a different pace.
Conditions We Support with ECT Care
Electroconvulsive therapy is considered at Calida Rehab, at our Mumbai and Pune centres, for people dealing with:
Severe and Treatment-Resistant Depression
ECT may be advised when depression is severe, or when several medicines and therapy have not helped. See our depression page and our depression case study.
Depression with High Suicide Risk or Refusal to Eat or Drink
When a person is in danger because of suicidal thoughts, or is not eating or drinking, a quick response is needed. ECT can work faster than medicines in these emergencies.
Catatonia
Catatonia can cause a person to stop moving or speaking, or to move without purpose. ECT is an established treatment, often used when medicines alone are not enough.
Severe Mania and Bipolar Disorder
ECT may be used for severe mania that does not respond to medicines. Read more about bipolar disorder.
Schizophrenia
In some cases, such as catatonia or when other treatments have not worked, ECT may be considered alongside medicines. See our schizophrenia page.
Benefits of ECT
For the right person, ECT can bring relief when other treatments have not worked. Gains vary from person to person.
Key advantages
- Often works faster than medicines in severe illness
- Can be life-saving when suicide risk is high or the person is not eating or drinking
- Can help people who have not responded to several medicines
- Can improve mood, energy, sleep and appetite
- Helps a person become well enough to take part in therapy and rehabilitation
- An option when medicines cause problems or cannot be used safely, as judged by the doctor
Results vary from person to person. ECT does not prevent relapse by itself, so medicines, therapy and follow-up are needed after the course.
ECT Techniques and Possible Side Effects
The psychiatrist chooses the technique, the number of sessions and the electrode placement for each person. Here is what to know:
Bilateral and Unilateral ECT
The electrodes can be placed on both sides of the head (bilateral) or mainly on one side (unilateral). Bilateral placement often acts faster, while unilateral placement may cause less memory trouble. The doctor chooses after assessment.
Maintenance ECT
Some people have occasional sessions after the main course to help prevent relapse, along with medicines and therapy.
Common Short-Term Side Effects
Headache, nausea, muscle aches, tiredness and confusion soon after waking are common. These usually pass within hours and can be treated with simple medicines.
Memory Effects
Some people have trouble remembering events around the time of the course, and a few report longer-lasting gaps. Memory usually improves in the weeks and months after treatment. Discuss this openly with your doctor before you agree to ECT.
Anaesthesia and Medical Risks
As with any anaesthetic, there are small risks, especially for people with heart or lung problems. This is why a full physical check and an anaesthetist are essential.
ECT should only be given by trained clinicians. Never begin or stop any medicine without your doctor’s advice.
Myths vs Facts About ECT
Many people hesitate because of fear and films. Knowing the facts helps in making an informed decision.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| ECT is painful and the person is awake. | Modern ECT is given under general anaesthesia with a muscle relaxant. The person is asleep and does not feel the treatment. |
| ECT causes brain damage. | Research has not shown that ECT causes structural brain damage. Memory problems can happen and should be discussed before treatment. |
| ECT is given by force or as a punishment. | It is a medical treatment. In India the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 requires informed consent and safeguards, and ECT cannot be given to minors. |
| ECT is a permanent cure. | ECT relieves symptoms, but relapse is common without continued medicine, therapy and follow-up. |
| ECT is an outdated treatment. | It remains part of current guidelines for severe depression, catatonia and some other conditions, with modern anaesthesia and monitoring. |
Key Features of a Safe ECT Programme
ECT is safest when it is planned carefully and given by trained clinicians. A good programme has these features:
- Led by a qualified psychiatrist, with an anaesthetist present for every session
- Given in a facility with proper equipment, monitoring and a recovery area
- Full psychiatric and physical assessment before treatment, including an ECG and blood tests
- Only modified ECT, with anaesthesia and muscle relaxant, as the law requires
- Clear informed consent that explains benefits, risks and alternatives
- No ECT for minors, in line with the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
- Regular review of response and of memory during the course
- Continued medicines and therapy alongside ECT
- Family involvement and support
- Relapse prevention and follow-up after the course
Treatment should never be given without the consent and safeguards required by law.
ECT Assessment and Care in Mumbai and Pune
Calida Rehab has centres in Karjat (Mumbai region) and Pune. Here is how you can get in touch:
ECT Assessment and Care in Mumbai Region – Karjat Location
Calida Rehabilitation Centre, Karjat, Mumbai, De-addiction Centre with Complete Rehab Facility
55/1/A, Tata Road, Village: Bhaliwadi, Post: Goulwadi, Tal. Karjat, District: Raigad, Maharashtra 410201
Karjat Branch: +91 845 294 0789
ECT Assessment and Care in Pune Location
Calida Rehabilitation Centre Pune
Survey No 137/3/4, Bhagwati Complex, near Baner, Bhagwati Nagar, Parkhe Vasti, Sus, Pune, Maharashtra 411021
Pune Branch: +91 7499174304
Email: calidarehab@gmail.com
How to Choose the Right ECT Centre
Choosing the right centre plays an important role in safe treatment. Here are the steps to follow:
- Make a list of reputed hospitals and centres with psychiatry departments in nearby locations.
- Check that the psychiatrists are licensed and that the facility is registered. Our guide on how to verify a centre is licensed in Maharashtra can help.
- Ask whether an anaesthetist is present for every session, and how monitoring and recovery are handled.
- Ask which tests are done before treatment.
- Ask how consent is taken, and how memory effects and alternatives are explained.
- Ask about aftercare, medicines and maintenance treatment.
- Finally, look for real reviews and speak to families who have used the service.
Understanding the therapies used in rehab can also help families understand treatment decisions and expectations.
Medical Information Note
This page is for information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Electroconvulsive therapy and any medicines are provided only by qualified professionals after a clinical assessment and informed consent. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or thinking of self-harm, call 112 or the Tele-MANAS helpline on 14416 right away.
Take the First Step - Contact Calida Rehab
Severe depression and other serious mental illness are treatable, even when other treatments have not worked. If ECT is advised, you have the right to understand it fully and to ask every question. At Calida Rehab, our psychiatrists explain the options with care, and support the whole person and family before and after treatment.
If you or a loved one is living with severe or treatment-resistant illness, speak to our team and book an appointment today.
Related pages
Depression Disorder | Depression Case Study | Bipolar Disorder | Schizophrenia Disorder | Psychosis Treatment | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | Family Therapy | Psychoeducation | Therapies in Rehab
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Experts Who Will Guide Your Recovery
Dr. Prashant Dasud
Designation: M.D. (Psychiatry)
Experience: 14+
Illnesses:
Depression & Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders, OCD, Drug & Alcohol Addiction, Sleep Disorders
Geriatric Mental Health Issues
Dr. Santosh Pawar
Designation: M.D. (Radiodiagnosis)
Experience: 12+
Illnesses:
CT / MRI, Dementia & Memory Disorder, Neuro-radiological Evaluation, pine & Nerve Imaging,Head Injury & Neurological, Diagnostic Support for Mental Health
Dr. Neha Shetty
Designation: M.D. (Psychiatry)
Experience: 11+
Illnesses:
Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia & Psychosis, OCD, Drug Addiction,Mental Health Issues
Dr. Abhijit Bombe
Designation: MBBS, DPM
Experience: 10+
Illnesses:
Anxiety & Panic Disorders, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Alcohol & Substance Use Disorders, Stress & Behavioral Problems
ECT at Calida Rehab - FAQs
What is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
ECT is a medical treatment for severe mental illness in which a brief electrical pulse is given to the brain under general anaesthesia to cause a short, controlled seizure that can relieve symptoms.
Is ECT painful?
No. ECT is given under general anaesthesia with a muscle relaxant, so the person is asleep and does not feel the treatment. Headache, muscle aches or nausea after waking can happen and are usually treated with simple medicines.
Is ECT safe?
When it is given by a trained team with anaesthesia and monitoring, ECT is considered a safe treatment. Risks include anaesthesia complications, confusion after waking and memory problems. The doctor checks physical health first.
How many ECT sessions are needed?
A course commonly has about 6 to 12 sessions, given 2 to 3 times a week. The psychiatrist reviews the response regularly and decides when to stop.
Does ECT cause memory loss?
Trouble remembering events around the time of treatment is common and usually improves over weeks to months. Some people report longer-lasting gaps. Discuss this with your doctor before agreeing to ECT.
Can children and teenagers have ECT in India?
No. Under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, ECT cannot be given to minors, meaning anyone under 18 years of age.