Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure, done under general anesthesia, in

which small electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief
seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse
symptoms of certain mental illnesses. It often works when other treatments are
unsuccessful.
Much of the stigma attached to ECT is based on early treatments in which high doses of
electricity were administered without anesthesia, leading to memory loss, fractured
bones and other serious side effects.
ECT is much safer today. Although ECT still causes some side effects, it now uses
electric currents given in a controlled setting to achieve the most benefit with the fewest
possible risks
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can provide rapid, significant improvements in severe
symptoms of several mental health conditions. ECT is used to treat:

Severe depression,particularly when accompanied by detachment from reality

(psychosis), a desire to commit suicide or refusal to eat.

Treatment-resistant depression, a severe depression that doesn't improve with

medications or other treatments.

Severe mania, a state of intense euphoria, agitation or hyperactivity that occurs

as part of bipolar disorder. Other signs of mania include impaired decision-making,
impulsive or risky behavior, substance abuse, and psychosis.

Catatonia, characterized by lack of movement, fast or strange movements, lack

of speech, and other symptoms. It's associated with schizophrenia and certain other
psychiatric disorders. In some cases, catatonia is caused by a medical illness.

Agitation and aggression in people with dementia, which can be difficult to

treat and negatively affect quality of life.
ECT may be a good treatment option when medications aren't tolerated or other forms
of therapy haven't worked. In some cases ECT is used:

During pregnancy, when medications can't be taken because they might harm the
developing fetus

In older adults who can't tolerate drug side effects

In people who prefer ECT treatments over taking medications

When ECT has been successful in the past

Although ECT is generally safe, risks and side effects may include:

Confusion. Immediately after treatment, you may experience confusion, which

can last from a few minutes to several hours. You may not know where you are or
why you're there. Rarely, confusion may last several days or longer. Confusion is
generally more noticeable in older adults.

Memory loss. Some people have trouble remembering events that occurred right
before treatment or in the weeks or months before treatment or, rarely, from previous
years. This condition is called retrograde amnesia. You may also have trouble
recalling events that occurred during the weeks of your treatment. For most people,
these memory problems usually improve within a couple of months after treatment
ends.

Physical side effects. On the days of an ECT treatment, some people

experience nausea, headache, jaw pain or muscle ache. These generally can be
treated with medications.

Medical complications. As with any type of medical procedure, especially one

that involves anesthesia, there are risks of medical complications. During ECT, heart
rate and blood pressure increase, and in rare cases, that can lead to serious heart
problems. If you have heart problems, ECT may be more risky.

Before having your first ECT treatment, you'll need a full evaluation, which usually
includes:

A medical history

A complete physical exam

A psychiatric assessment

Basic blood tests

An electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart health

Anesthesiologist review to go over the risks of anesthesia

These exams help make sure that ECT is safe for you