Is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Safe And Effective For The Treatment Of Depression?

Dr. McDonald answers the question: 'Is Electroconvulsive/Shock Therapy Safe?'

By
William McDonald, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry, The Emory Clinic
February 28, 2008, 2:45 PM ET
1 min read

— -- Question: Is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) safe and effective for the treatment of depression?

Answer: ECT is one of the most effective treatments for depression. In fact in patients who haven't responded to other treatments -- such as the medications -- ECT can be up to 80 percent effective. And that 80 percent effective includes people who go into remission of symptoms -- that is, a complete absence of their depressive symptoms after they complete ECT treatments.

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