With modern safeguards, ECT is a safe and evidence-based treatment although ECT remains a somewhat stigmatised treatment in the eyes of the public, owing to inaccurate and misleading depictions of ECT in the public arena including film and television. The efficacy of ECT, particularly in severe depression, has been demonstrated in clinical trials (Sackeim, 2017) although risks of memory impairment and other side effects still remain. These have included the use of general anaesthesia, introduction of new forms of ECT that have high efficacy but minimise memory loss and other side effects, and strategies to prevent relapse after improvement from an acute course of ECT (Mills and Elwood, 2017). Since 1938, the clinical practice of ECT has undergone substantial developments and improvements based on findings from clinical research. BackgroundĮCT was developed in Italy in 1938 as a treatment for catatonia and depression. Current evidence suggests that ECT may correct abnormalities in brain functioning associated with depression and other mental illnesses. ECT is performed whilst the person undergoing treatment is under general anaesthesia. ECT involves the delivery of a small, pulsed electrical current to the brain sufficient to induce a seizure for therapeutic purposes. Psychiatrists should continue to challenge the stigma and discrimination associated with ECT, and promote access to ECT treatment where clinically indicated.ĮCT is a medical treatment that rapidly relieves symptoms of severe psychiatric disorders. ![]() Psychiatrists prescribing and administering ECT must be appropriately trained and should engage in ongoing education to promote and share best practice information with colleagues.ECT should be available where clinically indicated and not limited by cost, service availability, age or other medical conditions, or overly restrictive legislation. ![]() There have been substantial developments which have improved the safety and practice of ECT in recent years. ECT is an effective treatment with a strong evidence base, particularly for the treatment of severe depressive disorders.It is used to treat severe depression, mania and psychosis, and occasionally other conditions. ECT is a treatment for a number of psychiatric disorders. ![]() The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has developed this position statement to support the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a safe and effective clinical psychiatric treatment.
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