What happens after a course of ECT?

ECT is one part of getting better. It should also help you to begin or restart other treatments or types of support.
You will usually continue or start medication after ECT. This will help to maintain the improvements you have had from your ECT treatment.

ECT can sometimes be continued to help stop you from getting unwell again. This is especially the case if you have previously relapsed after a course of ECT. This is known as ‘continuation’ or ‘maintenance’ ECT, and is given less often, for example every 2-4 weeks.

Talking therapies such as CBT and counselling can help you to work on any reasons for your depression and to develop ways of staying well. Changes in your day-to- day lifestyle can also be helpful. These include taking regular exercise, eating well, developing a regular sleep pattern, and using techniques like mindfulness and meditation.

The ECT clinic or the psychiatrist who arranged the treatment will contact you to ask about your memory 2 months after your last treatment. If you are experiencing problems with your memory you can ask to be referred to a neuropsychologist or memory assessment service for detailed testing.