what is ect therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment that involves passing a mild electric current through the brain to cause a brief seizure. It is typically administered under general anesthesia by a team of trained medical professionals, including a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist, and a nurse or physician assistant. ECT is used to treat severe mental health conditions, including severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and catatonia, among others. ECT often works when other treatments are unsuccessful, and it is recognized as an effective and safe technique by several organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, and the National Institute of Mental Health. Although ECT may still cause some side effects, it is much safer today than in the past, and it is proven to have strong positive effects on severe, treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Ongoing treatment may include antidepressants or other medications, or psychological counseling (psychotherapy).