Electroconvulsive Therapy is a medical procedure used to treat severe psychiatric conditions—most commonly severe depression—by inducing controlled seizures via electric currents passed through the brain. ECT is typically administered under general anesthesia in a hospital setting.
Key Points:
- Indications: Treatment-resistant depression, severe mania, catatonia, and, in some cases, acute suicidal ideation when rapid response is necessary.
- Procedure: Short-acting anesthetic and muscle relaxants are administered, and controlled electrical impulses trigger a brief seizure.
- Side Effects: Temporary confusion, headache, muscle aches, and potential short-term memory loss.
- Controversy & Efficacy: While sometimes portrayed negatively in media, modern ECT is much safer and can be highly effective for individuals unresponsive to other treatments.
