BRAIN STIMULATION
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
A highly effective treatment for severe depression and catatonia, given under anesthesia.
How it works
Under general anesthesia and muscle relaxation, a brief controlled electrical stimulus induces a short seizure. A course is usually several sessions a week for a few weeks.
What the evidence says, use by use
Evidence is specific to the condition, population and—for devices—the exact product. One label never covers everything.
Depression: Severe or life-threatening depression; depression that hasn’t responded to other treatments
EstablishedNIMH and depression guidelines describe ECT as an effective option for severe or treatment-resistant depression, and when a rapid response is needed.
Bipolar Disorder: Severe mania or depression; catatonia
EstablishedECT is used for severe or treatment-resistant episodes and catatonia.
Sources: NIMH
Who usually provides it
Hospital-based psychiatry teams.
Cautions & things to know
- Short-term memory problems around the treatment period are the main side effect; discuss them openly.
Questions for a clinician
Conversation prompts, not a treatment plan.
- Why ECT now, and what are the alternatives?
- What memory effects should we expect, and for how long?
Educational, not medical advice. NeuroCoach is an educational and care-navigation resource, not a medical provider. Information about medications, supplements, therapies, devices, clinical trials and community experiences is provided for education and exploration and is not a recommendation, diagnosis or treatment plan. Evidence varies substantially among interventions. Decisions about medical or mental-health treatment should be made with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Do not start, stop or change medication, supplements or treatment based solely on information found here.
Sources
Sources checked October 5, 2026. Links support this page; they don’t imply endorsement of NeuroCoach.