Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)



What is ECT?
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a special procedure that uses electricity to treat severe depression and other mental illnesses, to help patients who cannot use or do not respond to medication or psychotherapy.

ECT can effect chemical changes in the brain that can help with depression, relieve symptoms related to other mental disorders, and treat illnesses that affect the ability to control movement.


The Treatment Process
At BRS, we believe that patient and family education is the first step in the ECT treatment process. Patients and family members are invited to the ECT post-recovery area where written materials are reviewed and all are encouraged to view an informative film from our video library. They also have an opportunity to discuss questions and concerns with the ECT treatment team staff.

A comprehensive medical assessment rules out potential medical contraindications for ECT. This assessment includes a thorough history and physical examination along with extensive preadmission testing including a brain MRI, thoracic spine and chest X-rays and lab work. An internal medicine or family physician then provides medical clearance for treatments to begin.


Our Staff
ECT is administered by an experienced team of medical personnel under the direction of Roger Laroche, M.D. and utilizes the state-of-the-art Thymatron Dgx with stimulus and comprehensive monitoring capabilities.

Psychiatric registered nurses are also a key component of the E.C.T. treatment team. They are responsible for pretreatment education and assessment and remain with the patient throughout the procedure and recovery period.

The Post Anesthesia Care Unit or PACU, our ECT treatment area, and its specially-trained anesthesiology nursing staff are also integral players on the ECT treatment team.

The Department of Anesthesiology at Bradford Regional Medical Center has the responsibility of insuring the patients’ comfort during the procedure. Board-certified anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists work closely with Dr. Laroche and the ECT nurses until the patient is awake, breathing on his or her own, and transported to the Recovery Area.


ECT Scheduling
ECT is administered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. The patient is taken to PACU for the procedure and initial recovery phase. Inpatients return to the General Psychiatric Unit for post-ECT management.

Outpatients are moved to the ECT post-recovery area where they are monitored for up to two hours. If any complications develop, the individual is transferred to the General Psychiatric Unit for further observation and evaluation.


Contact & Referral Information
Clinicians can refer individuals to the ECT program by directly calling the program at:  814-362-8511, or on weekends by calling the General Psychiatric Unit at:  814-362-8319.

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