ECT for Postpartum Depression: What Patients and Families Should Know

ECT for postpartum depression may be an important treatment option when depression becomes severe, life-threatening or difficult to treat. Although many people associate electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, with severe depression later in life, research shows that doctors may also consider it during the postpartum period.

Most importantly, postpartum mental health conditions can vary greatly in severity. Some mothers experience mild or moderate depression. Others develop severe depression, suicidal thoughts, psychotic symptoms or postpartum psychosis. Therefore, treatment must always reflect the individual person’s symptoms, medical needs and level of risk.

Recent public conversations about maternal mental health have also raised questions about treatments such as ECT. As a result, families may want to understand what modern ECT actually involves, when psychiatrists consider it and why it can sometimes play an important role in recovery.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is more than the temporary emotional changes commonly known as the “baby blues.” According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a major depressive episode can occur during pregnancy or within the first year after giving birth.

Symptoms may include persistent sadness, loss of interest, hopelessness, severe anxiety, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty functioning and thoughts of death or suicide. Consequently, anyone experiencing serious symptoms should seek professional help promptly.

Treatment often includes psychotherapy, medication or a combination of approaches. However, severe cases sometimes require a higher level of psychiatric care. In particular, doctors may consider treatments that can produce improvement more rapidly.

Is ECT Used for Postpartum Depression?

Yes. ECT for postpartum depression may be considered when depression is severe, life-threatening or requires a rapid response. It is not typically a first-line treatment for mild or moderate postpartum depression, which may be treated with psychotherapy, medication or both.

However, severe postpartum depression can involve suicidal thoughts, psychotic symptoms, catatonia or a significant inability to function or care for oneself. In these situations, psychiatrists may consider ECT, particularly when other treatments have not worked or when waiting several weeks for medication to take effect could pose additional risk.

Research supports its use in severe postpartum psychiatric illness. A 2018 population-based study examined 185 women who received ECT within six months of giving birth for depression, bipolar disorder or psychotic disorders. Nearly 9 out of 10 women who received ECT for a serious psychiatric illness during the postpartum period experienced significant improvement in their symptoms. 

Researchers noted that ECT’s potential for a rapid response may make it especially valuable when psychiatric symptoms are severe.

“ECT is not the typical starting point for postpartum depression. However, when depression becomes severe and rapid improvement is critical, ECT can be an important treatment option.”

— Sanjay Gupta, MD, Chief Medical Officer, BryLin Hospital

Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis Are Different

Although people sometimes use the terms interchangeably, postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are different conditions.

Postpartum psychosis can include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, extreme confusion, mania, severe mood changes or unusual behavior. Furthermore, the condition can develop rapidly after childbirth. Because of the potential risk to the mother or baby, postpartum psychosis requires immediate psychiatric assessment and treatment.

ACOG describes postpartum psychosis as a condition that requires immediate psychiatric help and usually requires hospitalization. Likewise, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, or NICE, recommends immediate specialist assessment for women who develop hallucinations, delusions or mania after childbirth.

ECT may also play a role in treating severe postpartum psychosis. In fact, a 2026 systematic review published in the Journal of ECT examined seven studies involving severe postpartum psychosis. All reported symptom improvement following ECT, while most reported complete remission. However, the researchers also emphasized that the available studies involved relatively small groups of patients.

Why Might Doctors Consider ECT?

One important advantage of ECT is how quickly it can work for some patients. Antidepressant medications may take several weeks to produce their full effect. ECT, however, may begin reducing severe symptoms earlier in a treatment course.

Therefore, psychiatrists may consider ECT when a patient has severe depression with suicidal thoughts, psychotic depression, catatonia, severe functional decline or symptoms that have not improved with other treatments.

“ECT is the most effective and rapidly acting FDA approved treatment for severe depression.”

— Sanjay Gupta, MD, Chief Medical Officer, BryLin Hospital

Most importantly, a psychiatrist evaluates each person individually. ECT is not automatically appropriate because someone has postpartum depression. Instead, the treatment team weighs the severity of symptoms, previous treatment response, medical history, risks, benefits and available alternatives.

What Is Modern ECT Really Like?

Many people still picture ECT based on old movies and television programs. Modern ECT looks very different.

During treatment, the patient receives brief general anesthesia and medication to relax the muscles. Then, the clinical team delivers a carefully controlled electrical stimulus that produces a short therapeutic seizure in the brain. Meanwhile, trained medical professionals closely monitor the patient throughout the procedure.

At BryLin Hospital, a multidisciplinary ECT team includes psychiatrists, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and specially trained support staff. Learn more in our guide to everything you need to know about electroconvulsive therapy.

“Modern ECT bears very little resemblance to the images many people still associate with the treatment. Today, it is a carefully controlled medical procedure performed under anesthesia with patient safety, comfort and dignity at the center of care.”

— Sanjay Gupta, MD, Chief Medical Officer, BryLin Hospital

ECT Treatment in Western New York

BryLin Hospital’s Center of Excellence Electroconvulsive Therapy Program provides inpatient and ambulatory ECT treatment for adults in Buffalo and throughout Western New York.

BryLin operates the region’s only ambulatory ECT center. Therefore, patients who meet clinical criteria may receive treatment without remaining hospitalized throughout the entire course of ECT.

Our ECT Program is led by Sanjay Gupta, MD, Chief Medical Officer, and supported by a multidisciplinary clinical team. Treatment plans are individualized based on each patient’s psychiatric and medical needs.

Healthcare professionals interested in making an ambulatory ECT referral can also review BryLin’s professional referral information.

When Should Someone Seek Immediate Help?

Postpartum depression is treatable, and asking for help early matters. However, certain symptoms require immediate attention.

If a mother experiences suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion, extreme agitation, mania, thoughts of harming herself or someone else, or other rapidly worsening psychiatric symptoms, seek emergency help immediately.

Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

For information about BryLin’s psychiatric services, visit our mental health crisis care page.

Learning More About ECT

ECT remains one of the most effective treatments available for severe depression. Moreover, evidence shows that it can also help selected patients experiencing severe postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis.

However, treatment decisions require a complete psychiatric and medical evaluation. Patients and families should speak with a qualified psychiatrist about their symptoms, treatment history and available options.

To learn more about ECT for postpartum depression or ECT treatment at BryLin Hospital, call the BryLin ECT Department at 716-886-8200, ext. 2196.

With HELP, There’s HOPE℠

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Anyone experiencing an immediate psychiatric or medical emergency should call 911 or seek emergency medical care.