Videos of ECT Procedures

Published on Dec 31, 2014 – Depression is a very common and highly disabling medical condition. Severe depression can be deadly, resulting in suicide and increased mortality from other illnesses. Although medications and psychotherapy are effective treatments for many patients with depression, treatment-resistant depression (TRD) affects millions of patients worldwide. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the most effective treatment for severe depression and TRD. This video provides an introduction to ECT for patients, family members and clinicians that may be considering this treatment option.

Dartmouth-Hitchcock is a national leader in patient-centered health care and building a sustainable health system. Founded in 1893, the system includes New Hampshire's only Level 1 trauma center and its only air ambulance service, as well as the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, one of only 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation, and the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, the state's only Children's Hospital Association-approved, comprehensive, full-service children's hospital. As an academic medical center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock provides access to nearly 1,000 primary care doctors and specialists in almost every area of medicine, as well as world-class research at the Audrey and Theodor Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

Mary has severe depression to the point of suicide. She does not respond to drug therapy. She and people like her are often helped with electroconvulsive shock therapy.

Mary has severe depression to the point of suicide. She does not respond to drug therapy. She and people like her are often helped with electroconvulsive shock therapy.