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Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or shock therapy, remains a critical biomedical intervention for severe, treatment-resistant depression. While its origins can be traced back to Hippocrates' observations that malaria-induced convulsions alleviated mental illness, modern ECT has evolved significantly from its earlier, more primitive applications. First introduced in 1938 by Ugo Cerletti and his colleagues, ECT involves inducing controlled seizures using electrical currents. In its early years,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins

Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins

Published on: August 15, 2017

[Electroconvulsive therapy: myths and evidences].

Ricardo Coentre¹, Daniel Barrocas, Inês Chendo

¹Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisboa.

Acta Medica Portuguesa

|August 19, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains a highly effective and safe treatment for severe psychiatric disorders like depression and schizophrenia. Despite advancements, ECT

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Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins

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Chronic Transcranial Electrical Stimulation and Intracortical Recording in Rats

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Published on: May 11, 2018

Area of Science:

Psychiatry and Neuroscience
Therapeutic Interventions

Context:

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has evolved significantly since its early controversial use.
Modern guidelines and advancements in psychopharmacology have reshaped its application.
ECT is increasingly recognized for its efficacy, particularly in affective disorders.

Purpose:

To review the history, indications, mechanism of action, procedures, and adverse effects of ECT.
To assess the current role of ECT in psychiatric treatment.
To compare ECT with newer neuromodulation techniques.

Summary:

ECT is a safe and effective treatment for major psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
While often reserved for refractory cases, studies confirm its efficacy across various phases of indicated disorders.
Despite emerging magnetic stimulation techniques, ECT's comparative efficacy requires further demonstration, solidifying its position as a leading psychiatric treatment.

Impact:

ECT continues to be a vital, life-saving intervention for numerous psychiatric conditions.
Understanding ECT's comprehensive profile aids clinicians in treatment decisions.
This review highlights ECT's enduring importance in psychiatric care, even amidst technological advancements.