Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Director of the Center for Resistant Depression: Dr. Meir Tzur
Contact:
Phone: 03-5303318
Email: Mirp.psyciatria@sheba.gov.il
Phone for Psychiatric Clinic Secretariat:
03-5303350/ 03-5303349
ECT Institute Fax, Sheba Medical Center:
03-5303348
Clinic Hours:
Sunday and Thursday, 8:00-15:00
Location:
Mental Health Building, Ground Floor,
Room 410
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a reliable and safe option for treating drug-resistant depression and several other conditions where medications are not optimal.
The treatment involves 9-12 sessions and can start while you're in the hospital or as part of your outpatient care, and is done under general anaesthesia. During the anaesthesia process, a gentle electric current is applied spreading through the brain to trigger a convulsive-like reaction. This helps synchronise brain activity and stimulates the secretion of healing substances, all aimed at improving the mental state. Throughout the treatment, vital signs such as heart activity, brain function (specifically, the intensity and duration of convulsions), respiratory rate, and blood pressure are closely monitored through a connection to a monitoring device.
Waking up and recovering from the treatment takes about 30-60 minutes. During this time, our team will monitor your blood pressure, pulse, breathing, neurological signs, and how alert you are feeling.
Treatments are performed on a bi-weekly basis. Following remission from depression, the option of reducing the frequency of maintenance treatments will be explored. Before starting the ECT treatment, we'll make sure to get your consent and have you sign the necessary forms. Our operating team consists of a psychiatrist, anesthesiologist, and nursing staff.
