Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment that involves passing a mild electric current through the brain, causing a short seizure. It is typically used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. ECT is given under general anesthesia, so the patient is not awake during the treatment. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental health conditions. It is most effective in people who receive a full course of multiple treatments. ECT is also used for people who require a rapid treatment response because of the severity of their condition, such as being at risk for suicide.

ECT is recognized as an effective treatment for severe mental illnesses by the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, the National Institute of Mental Health, and similar organizations in Canada, Great Britain, and many other countries. Extensive research has found ECT to be highly effective for the relief of major depression, with clinical evidence indicating that for individuals with uncomplicated, but severe major depression, ECT will produce substantial improvement in approximately 80 percent of patients.

Although ECT may still cause some side effects, it now uses electric currents given in a controlled setting to achieve the most benefit with the fewest possible risks. Some people find ECT helpful, while others dont. The available research shows that ECT is extremely effective, but it does not prevent a return of the illness in the future. After ECT treatment, medications will likely be required as maintenance therapy to prevent a return of the illness, and other interventions such as psychotherapy may be recommended.