Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), is a modern, safe, treatment for certain severe psychiatric disorders. By causing a series of short, painless, brain seizures under general anesthesia, ECT is highly effective for those suffering from:

  • Mania
  • Mixed bipolar states
  • Acute psychotic disorders
  • Catatonia (regardless of etiology)
  • Mood and psychotic disorders are secondary to certain medical conditions
  • Severe major depression in patients who need a rapid, definitive response (e.g. those who are psychotic, suicidal, suffering marked functional decline, or who are developing deterioration in medical status due to depression); and

ECT is also recommended for those who have been refractory to or intolerant of medication treatment.

ECT treatment involves a series of treatments performed in a dedicated surgical suite with a team of health professionals, i.e., a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist and nurses, who are experienced in ECT treatment and care, and is offered as an inpatient or outpatient treatment option; or an occasional overnight stay. ECT is also effective as acute and maintenance treatment for relapse prevention.

Medical Director of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Dr. Robert GreenbergECT is offered under the leadership of Robert M. Greenberg, MD, an internationally recognized expert in the field of ECT and the Past President of the International Society for ECT and Neurostimulation (ISEN). Dr. Greenberg specializes in Geriatric Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry and Electroconvulsive Therapy for the treatment of severe neuropsychiatric disorders. Dr. Greenberg’s clinical and research interests are focused on the treatment of severe mood disorders in the elderly and prevention of relapse, and optimizing the safety and efficacy of ECT.

Dr. Greenberg earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (Magna Cum Laude) from Brandeis University and a Doctor of Medicine degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He completed his residency at New York Presbyterian/Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Greenberg is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine.

For a patient referral, appointment or consultation, call 973-322-0220.