Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Lydia Adnane, M.D., Paul Nestadt, M.D., Yelena Gimelshteyn, M.D., Irving M. Reti, M.B.B.S.

DESCRIPTION

  • Electroconvulsive therapy is a well-studied and long-established treatment for major depression and other psychiatric conditions, utilizing electrical current to induce controlled seizures in patients under general anesthesia.
  • Stigma and crude, outdated media portrayals may contribute to underutilization of ECT.
  • ECT is one of the best treatments currently available to patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression in particular.

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Last updated: August 16, 2025