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Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

By Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse, About.com

Created: October 30, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:
Electroconvulsive therapy or ECT for short is a controversial treatment in which a convulsion or seizure is produced by passing an electric current through the brain. ECT is primarily used for treatment-resistent depression and may also be prescribed for mania and schizophrenia. Given under anesthesia, ECT may be unilateral (electrodes on one side of the head) or bilateral (electrodes on both sides). The most common side effect is memory loss.

For more, see Electroconvulsive Therapy.
Also Known As: Electroshock, electroshock therapy, shock therapy
Alternate Spellings: Electro-convulsive therapy

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