WHAT WILL ACTUALLY HAPPEN IF I HAVE ECT?
Having ECT involves a general anaesthetic, which will put you to sleep, together with a muscle relaxant. A controlled electric voltage is then passed across the brain for approximately 2 - 3 seconds. Because of the muscle relaxant, this results in little movement of the patient's body.
See the points (below) for the practical implications of having ECT.
The treatment takes place in a separate room. Other patients will not be able to see you having it. The anaesthetic will be given by an anaesthetist who will give you an injection in your arm.
Having ECT - some practical points
- As ECT involves a general anaesthetic, it is important that you have nothing to eat or drink from midnight on the night of the treatment.
- For the treatment you should wear loose clothes or night-clothes.
- Remove any jewellery, hairslides - or loose fitting dentures if you have them.
