Mayo Clinic researchers developed a 44-item survey measuring ECT treatment satisfaction and attitudes. Over 90 percent of the patients were satisfied with their treatment. Patients who received ECT treatment also had a more favorable attitude in comparison with patients who did not receive that treatment. People undergoing the procedure are anesthetized with an intravenous injection of a short-acting barbiturate or other anesthetic. Other drugs are used to control heart rate and blood pressure, which are monitored throughout.
Medical personnel are present to monitor the patient s condition throughout the procedure.
Because of anesthesia and succinylcholine, the person undergoing ECT rests peacefully. A small amount of electrical current is then passed through the brain for one second or less, producing a grand mal seizure. Clinically effective seizures typically last from about 30 seconds to just over one minute. Past studies that looked at the brain before and after ECTs have shown no changes. The exact mechanisms of ECT s effectiveness are still unknown, according to Dr. Rummans.