As health care professionals we are obliged to ensure
that our treatments are well documented and safe. Thorough
investigations of ECT effects will improve patients’
feeling of safety and possibly reduce stigmata related to
the condition. Depression is a common disorder with
substantial costs for individuals, employers, and health
and welfare systems. New knowledge about the pathophysiology
of major depression as well as mechanisms of
action and possible harmful effects of ECT is crucial and
may lead to new prospects for future treatments.