Coliseum Center for Behavioral Health is now offering Electroconvulsive Therapy.  ECT is a procedure used to treat severe depression and other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. ECT can relieve the symptoms of these illnesses including feelings of depression, lack of appetite, sleep disturbances, general hopelessness and thoughts of suicide.

During ECT, a patient receives brief electrical stimulation to the scalp in order to release chemicals in the brain.  ECT is recommended for patients whose illness has not been responsive to more traditional therapy or medication.  ECT is one of the fastest ways to relieve symptoms in severely depressed or suicidal patients.

Leslie Tomek, M.D., with the Coliseum Center for Behavioral Health said, “This is an extremely valuable service to have here in middle Georgia.  Some people simply do not respond to antidepressants or mood controlling drugs, and ECT is a way for such individuals to be treated effectively.”

To receive ECT, a patient must have a referral from a trained treatment professional or be referred through Lifeline at (478) 741-1355 or (800) 548-4221. Lifeline is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week.