Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective modern treatment technique that has been used at College Hospital Costa Mesa since 1995. We average 800 to 1,000 treatments yearly with no major adverse effect.

The following diagnoses respond best to ECT

  • Major Depression with Psychosis
  • Major Depression with Melancholia, Cachexia or Catatonia
  • Depression in the Geriatric Population
  • Acute Mania
  • Severe Psychosis of Acute Onset
  • Schizoaffective Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder

ECT is appropriate when

  • There is a history of inadequate or no drug response
  • There is a need for a rapid definitive response due to:
    • A life threatening psychiatric condition
    • A secondary medical condition
  • There is a history of good response to ECT
  • Patient preference

Our ECT Team includes experienced Psychiatrists, Anesthesiologists and specially trained Licensed Staff and is offered at College Hospital Costa Mesa on both an outpatient and inpatient basis.

For more information, please contact

Sally Pfeifer
Manager of Medical and Surgical Services
(949) 574-3321 or (949) 574-3305
Email: Sallyp@chcm.us