Reading, Pennsylvania’s Premier Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Program

ECT may be beneficial for people who are:

• Experiencing severe, debilitating symptoms that interfere with daily life
• Facing a life-threatening mental health crisis and need a fast-acting solution
• Dealing with conditions that have not improved despite trying multiple approaches
• Unable to tolerate medications due to side effects

Patients who may require further consideration due to increased risks for complications include those who:

• Have unstable or severe medical conditions
• Recently suffered a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular emergency
• Are living with a respiratory illness
• Struggle with neurological disorders or cognitive decline
• Have had negative reactions to anesthesia in the past
• Take certain medications that could interfere with the procedure

This list does not cover all possible factors that may impact the decision to use ECT. Our team will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of each patient’s health status and medical history to determine whether electroconvulsive therapy is a suitable option.

Before receiving electroconvulsive therapy at Tower Behavioral Health, our ECT team will discuss the procedure in detail, including all potential risks and benefits, and request your informed consent. Once you’ve agreed to move forward, we will give you specific instructions, such as fasting guidelines, to help you get ready for your session.

Here’s what to expect during the ECT experience:

• When you arrive, our ECT team will guide you to a dedicated suite where the procedure will take place.
• We’ll administer general anesthesia to ensure you remain unconscious and comfortable throughout the session.
• To minimize any involuntary movements during the procedure, we’ll will also give you a muscle relaxant.
• Next, we’ll place electrodes on your scalp to deliver a controlled electrical current to the brain. This induces a mild seizure that typically lasts a minute or less.
• Not long after the seizure has stopped, you will wake up. You may feel temporarily disoriented, but this is normal and will subside.

The procedure will be carried out by our experienced team, which includes a psychiatrist, nurse anesthetist, registered nurse, and family medicine provider as needed. We’ll carefully monitor your vital signs at all times to keep you safe, including after the procedure when you are recovering from anesthesia.

ECT, though it has a proven track record of success, is widely misunderstood due to various factors, including:

• “Shock therapy” stigma: The term “shock therapy” was coined during a time when the procedure lacked proper safety measures, and its side effects were not well managed. This association with “shock” created a long-lasting stigma, leading many to view the procedure as frightening and dangerous. While the term still lingers, modern ECT has evolved significantly and is much safer and more controlled.
• Historical use: In the past, ECT was performed without proper medical protocols. As a result, electroconvulsive therapy could be very painful for patients. Now, ECT is done under general anesthesia with muscle relaxants, prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing risks.
• Negative media representations: Movies, TV shows, and other media have often depicted ECT in exaggerated or negative lights, showing it as a form of punishment or a desperate last resort. These false representations led many to associate ECT with a traumatic experience.
• Limited awareness of ECT’s role in modern healthcare: Many people have limited knowledge about the modern uses and benefits of ECT beyond treating depression. Today, healthcare professionals may also recommend it for other conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
• Unfounded fears about brain damage: Concerns about ECT causing brain damage persist despite extensive research showing no evidence of permanent harm. Any memory loss or confusion is generally a short-term side effect.

Electroconvulsive therapy has undergone significant advancements since its introduction in the 1930s, evolving into a refined and effective option for severe mental health conditions. Today’s ECT reflects a commitment to both scientific innovation and patient-centered care. Key developments include:

• Targeted stimulation: Modern ECT precisely targets the brain regions responsible for symptoms, improving its effectiveness and reducing side effects.
• Real-time monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, as well as brain activity allows healthcare professionals to tailor the procedure, optimizing patient safety.
• Improved anesthesia administration: Enhanced anesthesia practices keep patients relaxed and unaware during ECT sessions.
• Better overall patient experience: Electroconvulsive therapy today puts patient comfort and well-being at the forefront, providing a more supportive and positive experience throughout the procedure.
• Informed consent policies: ECT is governed by strict regulations that focus on transparency and patient rights. This means that the care team must thoroughly educate the patient about the procedure and gain their consent before proceeding.

At Tower Behavioral Health, we offer personalized electroconvulsive therapy services, available in both inpatient and outpatient settings. ECT may start in our inpatient program when urgent care is needed and can continue on an outpatient basis once the patient is discharged. It can also be used as part of a long-term maintenance strategy. The number of sessions a patient requires can vary widely depending on the severity of their symptoms and the progress they make with each treatment.

Adults age 18 and older who are experiencing acute mental health symptoms may be eligible to receive ECT at our campus in Reading, Pennsylvania. Our experienced team will carefully evaluate each patient’s medical and mental health history to determine if ECT should be part of their individualized care plan. We take the time to fully explain every aspect of the procedure, so patients and their families can make a confident and informed decision.

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about our ECT program, please get in touch with us today. Our admissions specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide more details and answer any questions you may have