Mood Boost

ECT therapy offers alternative treatment for several psychiatric illnesses

A severe behavioral health condition can greatly reduce a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, for patients who have not responded to medication or are unable to tolerate its side effects, a treatment called electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may provide rapid relief.

A highly qualified staff of psychiatrists, registered nurses and anesthesia experts at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital offer ECT treatments to care for patients with severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and Parkinson’s disease. During the procedure, low-voltage electrical currents are delivered to the brain, triggering a seizure that lasts about 40 seconds. The procedure enhances mood and behavior by changing the activity in the brain.

“ECT is a very effective treatment for several psychiatric illnesses,” says Sumana Suresh, MD, a psychiatrist at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. “Most patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms and their quality of life improves.”

ECT treatments are usually given two to three times weekly for a total of six  to 12 sessions. The treatment regimen  is generally followed up with maintenance ECT or psychiatric medication.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about inpatient or outpatient ECT services, or to schedule an ECT consultation, call 703.664.6878.   Visit www.inova.org/behavioral-health to learn more about all of Inova’s behavioral health services in Northern Virginia.