Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in West Bengal

A brief controlled electrical stimulus is applied to the brain under general anesthesia to induce a therapeutic seizure. Used for severe treatment-resistant dep…

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

A brief controlled electrical stimulus is applied to the brain under general anesthesia to induce a therapeutic seizure. Used for severe treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and catatonia. Highly effective for appropriate indications.

Duration

15-20 minutes per session

Recovery

Rest for 1-2 hours post-session; mild headache, confusion, and short-term memory issues are common; arrange transport; course is usually 6-12 sessions

Cost in West Bengal

₹5,000 - ₹15,000 per session

Anesthesia

General anesthesia

Success Rate

75%

Care Type

Outpatient

Why Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Is Needed

ECT is recommended for patients with severe, treatment-resistant depression that has not responded to multiple medication trials, for life-threatening conditions like acute suicidality or catatonia requiring rapid improvement, and for severe bipolar disorder or schizophrenia episodes unresponsive to standard treatment. It is also used when medication side effects are intolerable, such as in pregnant women or the elderly with complex medical conditions.

Signs You May Need Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Indicators for considering ECT include profound depressive symptoms such as an inability to eat, drink, or function, active suicidal thoughts with a plan, psychotic symptoms like delusions or hallucinations alongside mood disturbance, or catatonic stupor. Rapid deterioration despite adequate trials of antidepressants or antipsychotics is another key sign that ECT should be considered.

Types of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

ECT can be administered as bilateral, where electrodes are placed on both sides of the head for a stronger effect, or unilateral, placing both electrodes on one side to reduce cognitive side effects like memory disturbance. Brief-pulse and ultra-brief-pulse stimulus techniques are further refinements that aim to preserve efficacy while minimising memory-related side effects.

Hospitals offering Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) (0)

No hospitals listed yet for this procedure in West Bengal — check back soon or browse all hospitals.

Specialists offering Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) (0)

No specialists listed yet for this procedure in West Bengal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ECT safe, and has it changed from how it used to be portrayed?

Modern ECT is performed under general anaesthesia with muscle relaxants, making it far safer and more controlled than older depictions, and it remains one of the most effective treatments for severe depression when done under proper psychiatric and anaesthetic supervision.

Will ECT cause permanent memory loss?

Some short-term memory issues and confusion around the time of treatment are common but usually resolve within weeks to months; permanent significant memory loss is uncommon, especially with unilateral or brief-pulse techniques.

How many sessions are typically needed?

Most patients require a course of 6 to 12 sessions given two to three times a week, though your psychiatrist will tailor the number based on your response.

What is the cost of an ECT course?

Costs vary widely by hospital and number of sessions, generally ranging from a few thousand to over ten thousand rupees per session including anaesthesia, so it's best to get a personalised estimate from the treating psychiatric team.

Can I resume daily activities right after a session?

You will need someone to accompany you home as driving is not advised the same day, and most patients rest for a few hours before gradually returning to normal activities.

Learn more about Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) (preparation, recovery, FAQs)

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