• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Choose which site to search.
UAMS Health Logo UAMS Health
  • UAMS.edu
  • MyChart
  • Giving
  • Emergency Room
  • COVID-19
  • Types of Care
  • Locations
  • Doctors
  • Patients & Guests
  • Referring Physicians
  • Appointments
  1. UAMS Health
  2. Treatments & Procedures
  3. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Treatment/Procedure: Electroconvulsive Therapy (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 ETC treatments when medication or other typical treatments aren’t working.

ECT is very effective and works faster than antidepressant medication in improving the symptoms of major depression and suicidal ideation. At the Psychiatric Research Institute (PRI), ECT is one of several therapies we use to treat mental disorders that have not responded to traditional forms of therapy.

ECT is normally an outpatient treatment. The recovery period is usually about an hour and patients can return home with the help of a caregiver. It has proven to be successful for patients who are at risk to themselves, are acutely suicidal and need to be stabilized quickly. It is also perfectly safe for pregnant women who are having significant problems with depression.

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. The Psychiatric Research Institute at UAMS is one of only two centers in Arkansas to offer ECT to patients. The effectiveness of the therapy and its safety has led to its increased use and success around the world.

Contents

  • Conditions
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Make an Appointment

Conditions Related to Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

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

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

Providers Performing or Prescribing Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

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

Filter the Providers


Lou Ann Eads, M.D.

Lou Ann Eads, M.D. Geriatric Psychiatrist

View Profile
Shona L. Ray-Griffith, M.D.

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

View Profile

Locations Providing Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Note that Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) 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.

Filter the Locations


Psychiatric Research Institute

Interventional Psychiatry Program

4224 Shuffield Drive
Psychiatric Research Institute
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-526-8100
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

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
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • Notice of Privacy Practices

© 2023 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Please share your location to continue