Electroconvulsive Therapy Brochure

Electroconvulsive Therapy Information and Schedule

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elcome to Alvarado Parkway Institute. We are honored to be a part of your journey to mental health recovery. During the next two days, we will work together to ensure you are adequately prepared for Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

ECT is a procedure, done under general anesthesia, in which small electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. ECT causes changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental health conditions.

If you would like a family member present, please just let us know.

PLEASE NOTE that the laboratory studies to be performed as part of the Pre-ECT workup require that you be in a fasting state, nothing to eat or drink prior to your arrival on Monday. Here is what you can expect:

MONDAY, DAY 1: 8:30AM - 12:00PM u Please arrive at API’s main lobby by 8:30am.

The receptionist will notify the Program Nurse that you have arrived. u The Program Nurse will escort you to the Patient Care area and will communicate what you can expect over the next two days. u History and physical exam by internal medical physician. u Lab draws. u Electrocardiogram (EKG) – a digital recording of the electrical signals in the heart, used to determine heart rate, rhythem, and other information regarding the heart’s condition. u Time to review psychoeducational materials and video. u Time to review consents.

TUESDAY, DAY 2: 8:30AM - 12:00PM u Please arrive at API’s main lobby by 8:30am. u All times are approximate. We hope to have the pre-ECT workup finished by 12pm.

We will keep you informed throughout the day if changes to the schedule occur. u You will meet with your psychiatrist and a consulting psychiatrist. u We will review and sign your consent forms and answer any questions that you may have. u Your nurse will provide you with information about UCSD Medical Center where you will be receiving treatment.

FASTING GUIDELINES IN PREPARATION FOR TREATMENT: Please read “Nothing by Mouth” handout in your packet for full instructions.

No liquids or solid foods by mouth after midnight the night before treatment • Ask your doctor about taking medications – you may take a sip of water with your routine morning medications.

DAY 3 (DATE TBD): UCSD MEDICAL CENTER - HILLCREST You are required to have someone drive you to UCSD Medical Center and pick you up.

200 West Arbor Drive • San Diego, CA 92103 Address:_____________________________________________________________________ NOTE: Patients are not allowed to drive or operate heavy equipment during the entire ECT course and for 2 weeks after the last treatment in an acute series of ECT. An acute series is usually 3 treatments per week for 6 to 12 treatments.

REPORT TO MAIN ENTRANCE (16) CHECK-IN DESK. DIRECTIONS: From I-5: Exit on Washington Street and turn left (East). Turn left on First Avenue, then left onto W. Arbor Dr. The medical center will be on your right.

From SR-163: If you are headed Southbound, exit on Washington Street West. If you are headed Northbound, exit on Washington Street (which will take you Eastward), and then make a U-Turn so you are headed West. Turn right on First Avenue, then left on W. Arbor Dr. The medical center will be on your right.

RECOMMENDED PARKING: • Valet parking is available at the MAIN ENTRANCE • Ace Public Parking (1) or • Arbor Parking Structure (2) Other Parking: Metered parking is available at individual visitor parking stalls. Please be sure to pay in advance at the pay station before exiting the structure.

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ALVARADO PARKWAY INSTITUTE 7050 Parkway Drive | La Mesa, CA 91942 Physician owned hospital.

8-2022