Despite common misconceptions, electroconvulsive therapy (also known as electroshock therapy, ECT or shock therapy) is a safe and effective way of treating severe depression. Generally, however, doctors don't try electroconvulsive therapy until other treatments have failed.
Perhaps because of how it is portrayed in movies and television, many people think of electroconvulsive therapy as outdated or harmful. However, electroconvulsive therapy is still practiced, and some experts feel it is not used as much as it should be.
Improvement is gradual, usually requiring up to 12 treatments over three to four weeks. Electroconvulsive therapy often relieves depression symptoms faster than drugs.
The patient receives an anesthetic and a muscle relaxant that help to minimize discomfort and limit seizure activity. The most common side effect is memory loss, especially of the period right before and after the treatment. The memory loss generally is temporary. Electroconvulsive therapy is often followed up with psychotherapy or treatment with antidepressant medication.
