ECT
Also written as: ECT — Electroconvulsive Therapy
Medical procedure using electrical currents to induce controlled seizures for treating severe mental illness.
Full Definition
Electroconvulsive therapy is a psychiatric treatment that involves passing small electric currents through the brain to trigger a brief seizure. It is primarily used for severe depression, particularly when other treatments have failed or when rapid response is needed. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia with muscle relaxants to prevent injury during the induced seizure. Modern ECT is much safer than historical versions and remains one of the most effective treatments for severe depression.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use in documents; commonly confused with other electrical medical procedures.
In Context
- "The treatment team recommended ECT after the patient failed to respond to multiple antidepressant trials." — Treatment plan documentation
- "Informed consent for ECT must include discussion of potential memory side effects." — Consent form