Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins
Published on: August 15, 2017
Electroconvulsive treatment during pregnancy: a systematic review
Maurizio Pompili1, Giovanni Dominici, Gloria Giordano
1Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 1035-1039, Via di Grottarossa, 00189, Rome, Italy.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for severe psychiatric disorders during pregnancy, offering significant symptom remission with low adverse event risks. Despite its benefits, ECT is underutilized due to stigma among patients and professionals.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
Background:
- Treating severe psychiatric disorders during pregnancy poses risks to the fetus.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an established treatment for various mental health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ECT for psychiatric disorders in pregnant patients.
- To compare ECT's effectiveness against pharmacological treatments.
- To identify primary indications for ECT use during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted on ECT use in pregnancy.
- Data on safety, efficacy, and outcomes were analyzed.
Main Results:
- ECT demonstrated high rates of total or partial symptom remission in pregnant patients.
- No maternal deaths were reported in association with ECT during pregnancy.
- Adverse event risks associated with ECT in pregnancy were found to be low.
Conclusions:
- ECT is an effective and low-risk treatment option for major psychiatric disorders during pregnancy.
- Underutilization of ECT may stem from patient and professional stigma.
- ECT should be considered more frequently in managing severe psychiatric conditions in pregnant individuals.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Electroconvulsive Therapy

