Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medically supervised treatment used to help people with certain severe mental health conditions when other treatments have not worked or when rapid improvement is urgently needed. In Grand Rapids, ECT is typically offered through major hospital systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and other specialized psychiatric services in West Michigan.

ECT involves using carefully controlled electrical stimulation to the brain to trigger a brief, controlled seizure while the person is under general anesthesia. ECT has been used safely for more than 70 years, and its effectiveness is well documented in scientific research.

Studies show that about 8 out of 10 people who receive ECT for severe depression experience significant improvement in their symptoms.

How ECT Works

The exact reason ECT is so effective is not fully understood. The brain communicates using complex electrochemical signals, and it is believed that ECT:

  • Temporarily disrupts abnormal brain activity patterns
  • Triggers changes in brain chemistry (such as serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters)
  • May help “reset” certain brain circuits involved in mood, thinking, and behavior

ECT is most often used when:

  • Medications and psychotherapy have not been effective
  • Symptoms are severe or life-threatening
  • A rapid response is needed (for example, when there is high suicide risk, severe weight loss, or inability to care for oneself)
  • A person cannot safely take psychiatric medications (for example, during pregnancy or due to serious side effects)

In Grand Rapids, psychiatrists working in local hospitals and clinics will typically consider ECT only after a careful evaluation and discussion of other treatment options.

Conditions ECT May Help Treat

ECT is most commonly used to treat:

  • Severe major depression, especially with suicidal thoughts or psychotic features
  • Catatonia (a serious condition where a person may be unable to move, speak, or respond normally)
  • Bipolar disorder, particularly severe depression or mania
  • Some forms of schizophrenia, especially when other treatments have failed

ECT may be considered:

  • When a person has responded well to ECT in the past
  • During pregnancy, when some medications may pose risks to the developing baby
  • For older adults who cannot tolerate side effects of certain medications
  • For people who prefer ECT over long-term medication, after fully understanding the risks and benefits

In West Michigan, these decisions are usually made in collaboration with a psychiatrist, primary care provider, and the patient’s support system.

What Happens During an ECT Procedure in Grand Rapids

ECT is performed in a hospital or specialized clinic under the supervision of a psychiatrist, anesthesiologist, and trained nursing staff. In Grand Rapids, this may take place at facilities such as Corewell Health’s behavioral health units or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Before the Procedure

  • You will have a medical evaluation, including physical exam, lab tests, and sometimes an ECG (heart test).
  • Your psychiatrist will explain the procedure, benefits, risks, and alternatives.
  • You will be asked to give informed consent (more on this below).
  • You will usually be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the procedure, similar to other procedures requiring anesthesia.

During the Procedure

  1. You arrive at the ECT treatment area in the hospital or clinic.
  2. An IV line is placed in your arm.
  3. You receive general anesthesia so you are asleep and do not feel pain.
  4. A muscle relaxant is given to minimize body movement during the seizure.
  5. Small electrodes are placed on your head:
    • On one side of the head (unilateral ECT) or
    • On both sides (bilateral ECT), depending on your condition and treatment plan.
  6. A controlled, brief electrical stimulus is delivered to the brain, causing a short seizure (usually less than a minute).
  7. Your heart, breathing, and blood pressure are monitored throughout the procedure.

The entire treatment visit usually takes less than an hour, but the actual electrical stimulation lasts only a few seconds.

After the Procedure

  • You wake up in a recovery area within a few minutes.
  • Nurses monitor you until you are fully awake and stable.
  • You may feel:
    • Groggy or confused
    • Headache
    • Nausea
    • Sore muscles

These side effects usually improve within a few hours.

ECT Treatment Schedule

ECT is typically given as a series of treatments, not just a single session.

A common schedule is:

  • 2–3 times per week
  • For 6–12 treatments (sometimes more, depending on response)

The exact number of treatments depends on:

  • Your diagnosis
  • How severe your symptoms are
  • How quickly you respond to ECT
  • Any side effects you experience

After the initial course, some people in Grand Rapids may receive maintenance ECT (for example, once every few weeks or months) to help prevent relapse, often combined with medications and psychotherapy.

Risks and Side Effects of ECT

Like any medical procedure that uses anesthesia, ECT has some risks. In modern practice, ECT is considered safe and effective, especially when performed in a hospital setting with proper monitoring.

Short-Term Side Effects

These usually resolve within hours to days:

  • Headache
  • Nausea or queasiness
  • Sore jaw or muscles
  • Confusion or feeling “foggy” shortly after waking up
  • Temporary disorientation (not knowing where you are or what day it is)

Memory Problems

Memory issues are the most commonly discussed side effect of ECT:

  • Short-term memory problems during the course of treatment are common.
  • People may have trouble remembering:
    • Events right before or during the ECT series
    • Events that occurred in the weeks or months around treatment
  • These problems usually improve within days to weeks, but in some cases, memory gaps may last longer.

Bilateral ECT (both sides of the head) is more likely than unilateral ECT (one side) to cause memory problems. Your psychiatrist will discuss which approach is recommended for you and why.

Medical Risks

Serious complications are rare but can include:

  • Heart rhythm changes
  • Blood pressure changes
  • Complications from anesthesia

Before starting ECT, your medical team in Grand Rapids will review your overall health, heart history, and medications to reduce these risks.

In Michigan, including Grand Rapids, you have specific legal rights and protections related to ECT.

To give informed consent, you must be able to:

  • Understand the information you are given about ECT
  • Remember the information long enough to make a decision
  • Weigh the benefits, risks, and alternatives
  • Communicate your decision

If your psychiatrist believes you can give informed consent, you have the right to accept or refuse ECT.

You also have the right to:

  • Receive a clear explanation of:
    • The ECT procedure
    • Expected benefits
    • Possible risks and side effects
    • Other treatment options
  • Ask questions and get understandable answers
  • Seek a second psychiatric opinion
  • Seek legal advice
  • Have a support person (family member, friend, advocate) with you during discussions, if you wish

If, because of your mental state, you are not able to understand or make decisions about ECT:

  • Your psychiatrist may request a court or legal review under Michigan mental health law.
  • A judge or designated legal authority will consider:
    • Your current mental health
    • Whether ECT is the least restrictive and most appropriate treatment
    • Your previously expressed wishes and preferences
    • The views of your family, guardian, or other involved caregivers (if applicable)
  • They will also consider how your mental health might be affected if you do not receive ECT.

ECT can only proceed without your consent if it is approved through the appropriate legal process and is considered medically necessary and in your best interest.

If ECT is recommended, you generally have the right to:

  • Refuse ECT if you are able to give informed consent
  • Receive a full explanation of:
    • Why ECT is being recommended
    • What to expect before, during, and after treatment
  • Request a second opinion from another psychiatrist
  • Seek legal counsel
  • Have a support person with you during key discussions, if you choose
  • Access your medical records related to ECT and your mental health treatment

Local hospitals and clinics in Grand Rapids must follow Michigan mental health laws and hospital policies designed to protect your safety, autonomy, and dignity.

ECT and Local Considerations in Grand Rapids, MI

Living in West Michigan, including Grand Rapids, can influence mental health:

  • Long, cloudy winters and limited sunlight can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and worsen depression.
  • Economic stressors, chronic health conditions, and social isolation can also affect mental health.

Because of this, local psychiatrists may see more cases of treatment-resistant depression during winter months and may consider ECT when other treatments have not been effective.

ECT is usually combined with:

  • Ongoing medication management
  • Therapy and counseling (such as cognitive behavioral therapy)
  • Support from family, community, and local resources

Where to Get Help for ECT and Mental Health in Grand Rapids

If you or a loved one is considering ECT or struggling with severe depression, bipolar disorder, or other serious mental health conditions, you can start with:

Local Medical and Mental Health Providers

  • Your primary care doctor (GP) in Grand Rapids
  • Psychiatrists and behavioral health clinics at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics

Ask specifically whether they offer ECT or can refer you to an ECT program in West Michigan.

Local Public Health and Support Resources

  • Kent County Health Department – Information on mental health resources in the Grand Rapids area
  • Network180 (Kent County’s community mental health authority) – Crisis services, assessments, and connections to psychiatric care
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics – Support for low-cost or sliding-scale mental health services

If you have questions about your rights, consent, or treatment:

  • Michigan Legal Help – Online resources about mental health law and patient rights
  • Local legal aid organizations in Grand Rapids and Kent County
  • Patient advocates within Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and other local hospitals

If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 (the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency department in Grand Rapids.

Key Points About ECT in Grand Rapids, MI

  • ECT uses controlled electrical stimulation to the brain to induce a brief seizure while you are under anesthesia.
  • It is most often used for severe depression, catatonia, bipolar disorder, and some forms of schizophrenia, especially when other treatments have failed.
  • The exact reason ECT works so well is not fully known, but it likely affects brain chemistry and circuits involved in mood and thinking.
  • ECT is usually given 2–3 times per week for several weeks, with the total number of treatments tailored to the individual.
  • Common side effects include headache, nausea, confusion, and temporary memory problems; memory issues are more likely with bilateral ECT than unilateral ECT.
  • In Michigan, you have clear rights regarding ECT, including the right to informed consent, to ask questions, to seek second opinions, and to access legal and advocacy support.
  • In Grand Rapids, ECT is available through major hospital systems and is part of a broader mental health care system that includes outpatient therapy, medications, and community support services.

If you are considering ECT in Grand Rapids, talk with your doctor or psychiatrist about whether it may be appropriate for you, and make sure you understand the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives.