Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used in modern
psychiatry worldwide, but is not fully understood by
the general public, practitioners and researchers.
Controversy continues to surround its application,
the long-term consequences of its use and its
legality in the management of the most serious
mental illnesses, such as major depression, bipolar
disorder and schizophrenia.
After describing the historical roots of ECT, the
author provides a description of the main factors that
divide opinion on its use today. This appreciation of
the different perspectives, and comparison between
attitudes in New South Wales, Australia, and in the
UK, can inform the debate about this treatment.