Electroconvulsive therapy for depression after pregnancy

Jun 2, 2025

If you’re a mother struggling with postpartum depression, you’re not alone. Many women experience intense feelings of sadness, anxiety and exhaustion after giving birth. While there are various treatments available, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) might be an option for you if your symptoms are severe following pregnancy.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

ECT is a medical treatment used for severe depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It involves sending small electric currents through your brain while you’re under anesthesia. This causes a brief seizure, which can change your brain chemistry and quickly improve your symptoms.

ECT and postpartum depression

If you have severe postpartum depression and other treatments like antidepressants or therapy haven’t worked, ECT could be a lifesaver. Research shows that ECT can be very effective in reducing symptoms of postpartum depression, often providing relief within a few sessions. This quick response is important for you and your family as you take care of your baby.

“Electroconvulsive therapy is a valuable treatment option for severe postpartum depression, offering rapid and effective relief when other treatments fail,” said Veera Kommisetti, M.D., psychiatrist with Marshfield Clinic Health System and a specialist certified to offer ECT in northern and central Wisconsin. “With proper care and support, you can recover from postpartum depression and enjoy your new child and being a mother.”

Watch more from Dr. Kommisetti on ECT.

How electroconvulsive therapy saved a mother and her child

One of our patients, Shanda Fitzgerald, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 15. Later in life, during Shanda’s second pregnancy, her depression became so intense that it was endangering her life and the life of her unborn child. With the help of ECT, Shanda was able to have a healthy pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.

Watch Shanda’s story and see the difference ECT made in her life.

Effectiveness of ECT

ECT has been shown to be effective in about 60-80% of patients with severe depression following pregnancy, according to Yale Medicine. For those experiencing a depressive episode, around 41% achieve full remission, stated a study in 2023 from Royal College of Psychiatrists. These numbers show that ECT can be helpful when other treatments do not work.

Additionally, ECT does not involve medications that could be passed to your baby through breast milk, making it a safer option for breastfeeding mothers.

ECT side effects

While ECT is generally safe, it can have side effects like short-term memory loss, confusion and physical side effects like headaches and muscle aches. These side effects are usually temporary, but it’s important to discuss all potential risks with your health care provider.

If you have any symptoms of postpartum depression, talk to your primary care provider or women’s health provider to receive the care you need.

To learn more about ECT, talk a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.

Learn more about our Perinatal Mental Health Clinic Message your provider

3 responses to “Electroconvulsive therapy for depression after pregnancy”

Angela B

Jun 30, 2019

When medications (any) fail to work in an adult non-pregnant female or for an adult male, would this be something to ask a behavioral specialist about? Can it help Schizoaffective Disorder as well as Manic-Depressive Bipolar individuals? If so, what kind of specialist is needed & whom does the referral need to come from? Where can more information be found?
I'm glad Shanda Fitzgerald got the needed help & has two healthy children, I'm more grateful she was brave enough to step forward & share her story with us; please thank her for those she's helped find hope!

Reply
1. Jacob Zipperer
  
  Jul 2, 2019
  
  Hi Angela,
  
  We appreciate you reaching out to us and we're glad Shanda's story inspired you! In regards to your questions, we are reaching out to a Marshfield Clinic provider to help answer them. We'll let you know as soon as we hear back.
  
  Thanks for reading Shine365!
  -Jake
  
  Reply
  1. Jacob Zipperer
    
    Jul 2, 2019
    
    Angela,
    
    We heard back from our provider and she said that unfortunately, she cannot provide individual medical advice on this forum. What would be best is to talk with a primary care provider about these questions. If needed, that primary care provider can provide a referral to a behavioral health specialist.
    
    Thanks,
    Jake