ECT: meaning, definitions and examples
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ECT
[ ˌiːˌsiːˈtiː ]
medical treatment
ECT stands for Electroconvulsive Therapy, a medical treatment that involves sending small electrical currents through the brain to trigger a brief seizure. It is often used for severe depression and other mental health disorders when other treatments have failed. ECT is usually administered under general anesthesia in a controlled environment.
Synonyms
electroconvulsive treatment, electroshock therapy.
Examples of usage
- The doctor recommended ECT for her treatment-resistant depression.
- Many patients find relief from symptoms after completing a series of ECT sessions.
- ECT can have side effects, but they vary for each individual.
Etymology
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was developed in the 1930s as a psychiatric treatment for severe mental illnesses. The earliest methods involved inducing seizures using electric shocks, which were thought to have therapeutic effects. The use of ECT gained popularity throughout the mid-20th century, particularly in Europe and the United States, as researchers observed its potential efficacy in treating severe depression, mania, and some forms of schizophrenia. Over the years, ECT has evolved, with advances in technique and a better understanding of its effects. Today, ECT is administered more safely and effectively compared to its historical application, addressing concerns about side effects and ethical considerations. Continued research has also explored how ECT works on the brain, leading to ongoing discussions about its role in modern psychiatry.