Information about ECT (Electro-convulsive therapy)
Introduction
This leaflet is for anyone who wants to know more about ECT (Electro-convulsive therapy). It looks at how ECT works, why it is used, its effects and side-effects, and alternative treatments.
Although a safe and effective treatment, ECT remains controversial and we have included some of the different views about it.
Where there are areas of uncertainty, we have listed other sources of information that you can use. Important concerns are the effectiveness and side-effects of ECT and how it compares with other treatments. At the time of writing, these references are available free and in full on the Internet.