what is an ect

ECT stands for Electroconvulsive Therapy, which is a medical procedure that involves passing a mild electric current through the brain, causing a short seizure. ECT is typically administered under general anesthesia and is used to treat severe mental health conditions, such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, that have not responded to other treatments. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental health conditions. ECT is considered a relatively safe and low-risk procedure that is helpful in the treatment of depression, suicidality, severe psychosis, food refusal secondary to depression, and catatonia. However, ECT may cause some side effects, including short-term memory loss.