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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Treatments and Procedures
  3. Electroconvulsive Therapy

Treatment/Procedure: Electroconvulsive Therapy

Also called: ECT

Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of mental disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Your doctor may suggest electroconvulsive therapy treatments when medication or other typical treatments aren’t working.

Electroconvulsive therapy is a primary treatment choice for treatment-resistant depression, psychotic depression and acute suicidality. Also, it can be an ideal choice for severe depression during pregnancy and afterwards (postpartum depression), thereby allowing minimal exposure of the baby to medications.

Electroconvulsive therapy is very effective and works faster than antidepressant medication in improving the symptoms of major depression and suicidal ideation. At UAMS Health, electroconvulsive therapy is one of several therapies we use to treat mental disorders that have not responded to traditional forms of therapy.

Electroconvulsive therapy is normally an outpatient treatment. The treatment involves brief electrical stimulation of the brain conducted while the patient is under anesthesia. The recovery period is usually about an hour and patients can return home with the help of a caregiver.

Most patients receive six to 12 treatments to begin with, and the treatments are tapered down in frequency while the patient is watched for stabilization. Depending on the patient’s progress, some come back for follow-up treatments while other patients may remain symptom free.

UAMS Health is one of only two centers in Arkansas to offer electroconvulsive therapy to patients. The electroconvulsive therapy team of medical professionals at UAMS Health includes a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist and a nurse, all highly trained and experienced.

The effectiveness of the therapy and its safety has led to its increased use and success around the world.

Contents

  • Conditions
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Conditions Related to Electroconvulsive Therapy

UAMS Health providers care for a broad range of conditions, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Bipolar Disorders
  • Depression
  • Depressive Disorders
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Schizophrenia

Providers Performing or Prescribing Electroconvulsive Therapy

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe Electroconvulsive Therapy for all conditions related to it. Review each provider for availability.

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Lou Ann Eads, M.D.

Lou Ann Eads, M.D. Geriatric Psychiatrist

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Shona L. Ray-Griffith, M.D.

Shona L. Ray-Griffith, M.D. Psychiatrist

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Locations Providing Electroconvulsive Therapy

Note that Electroconvulsive Therapy may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

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Psychiatric Research Institute

Walker Family Clinic

4224 Shuffield Drive
UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-526-8200
New and Returning Patients
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Areas of Expertise for Electroconvulsive Therapy

Behavioral Health

Behavioral health care at UAMS Health includes a wide range of outpatient and inpatient services.

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Abstract digital brain

Interventional Psychiatry (Part of Behavioral Health)

Interventional psychiatry is a rapidly growing sub-specialty in the field of psychiatry addressing issues such as depression and obsessive compulsive disorder.

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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