Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

This is a substantial revision of a previous module by Dr Allan Scott and Dr Henna Vatts. The authors acknowledge their contribution.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for severe depressive illness. It also has an important place in the management of certain other psychiatric illnesses, particularly where other treatments have not been effective. However, ECT is viewed by many patients as being hazardous and the cause of serious side-effects, particularly memory loss.

ECT is not a treatment of last resort. Indeed, it is of concern that patients may have been significantly depressed for several years before ECT is considered.

Many psychiatrists rarely prescribe ECT, the purpose of this module is to guide the prescriber through the process with reference to the latest evidence and recommendations about ECT.

Please note: This module previously had the title Prescription of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• gain a knowledge of the recommended indications for ECT in adult psychiatric practice
• be competent to obtain informed consent for the treatment
• recognise the factors that affect the selection of the appropriate initial electrode placement
• recognise the factors that affect the prescription of treatments.