Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça begins electroconvulsive therapy in Madeira

Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça in Madeira has commenced its first medical treatments using electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This therapeutic alternative is designed for patients with severe mental illness, particularly severe depression. The procedure involves applying controlled electrical currents to the brain to induce a brief therapeutic seizure.

The treatment is performed under general anesthesia with rigorous monitoring and muscle relaxation to ensure safety. The acquisition of the necessary equipment was funded through the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).

Regional Secretary of Health and Civil Protection, Micaela Fonseca de Freitas, stated that providing this service in Madeira improves care for the population with severe psychiatric disorders. By offering this treatment locally, the region avoids the need for patients and their families to travel to mainland Portugal, which reduces the physical and emotional strain of travel and lowers associated healthcare costs. The implementation is also expected to decrease the frequency and duration of hospitalizations.