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Psychiatry
Electroconvulsive Therapy
The Department of Psychiatry offers a specialized program dedicated to treating severely depressed patients with Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). This therapy may also be considered for those suffering from other severe psychiatric disorders such as mania, psychosis, or schizophrenia. ECT involves stimulation of the brain by a small, carefully prescribed amount of electrical current that works to restore the brain's normal activity and lifts depression.
Services provided include comprehensive evaluations, ECT treatments followed by a two-phase recovery process, and outpatient continuation therapy. Continuation therapy in the form of ECT or medications, may be required to prevent a relapse and help ensure that the primary ECT treatment is effective. Follow-up treatment is conducted on an outpatient basis, usually for at least six months. The treatment schedule is based on each person's recovery.
The program is operated by P.V. Nickell, M.D. and is conducted at Forbes Regional Hospital.
To make a referral or to obtain more information, please call 412.858.2707.
