How effective is ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) in the treatment of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)?

Doctor's Answers 1

Many individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder go on to have depression as they are distressed by their symptoms of flashbacks and nightmares. Some can also become suicidal.

ECT can help in these situations. Following ECT, suicidal ideations abate and the mood also becomes stabilised. ECT may also help to improve the formation of nerve cells in the hippocampal area of the brain. This may help in the laying down of new memories.

However, more studies need to be done to show if ECT helps to relieve the recall of traumatic events and the persistence of flashbacks.

Similar Questions

How is a panic attack and panic disorder diagnosed?

Mild anxiety symptoms are very common and almost everyone will experience them in their lifetimes. For instance, the night before a major exam, many of us would feel a bit anxious and may have a bit of tension in our body. These symptoms may be considered normal experiences if they do not cause distress or affect our functioning. Panic attacks are more severe anxiety attacks. They may occur spontaneously, out of the blue and are more intense.

Photo of Dr Beng Yeong Ng

Answered By

Dr Beng Yeong Ng

Psychiatrist

How effective is electroconvulsive therapy as compared to other forms of treatments for mental disorders?

ECT (electroconvulsive therapy, or electroshock therapy) is the electrical induction of the type of generalized cerebral seizure associated with a tonic-clonic convulsion, with the objective of treating an abnormal mental state or neurological disorder. It involves the patient being put to sleep with an anaesthetic. A tiny amount of current is then passed across the head. This causes the person to have a fit or seizure. It is believed that the seizure changes the chemicals in the brain and leads to an improvement in the mental state or neurological disorder.

Photo of Dr Beng Yeong Ng

Answered By

Dr Beng Yeong Ng

Psychiatrist

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox