electroconvulsive therapy

[ ih-lek-troh-kuhn-vuhl-siv, ih-lek- ]

noun

, Psychiatry.

1. a treatment for serious mental illnesses, as severe depressive disorders, involving the application to the head of electric current in order to induce a seizure: usually administered after sedatives and muscle relaxants. : ECT

electroconvulsive therapy

/ ɪˌlɛktrəʊkənˈvʌlsɪv /

noun

1. med the treatment of certain psychotic conditions by passing an electric current through the brain to induce coma or convulsions ECT Also calledelectroshock therapy See also shock therapy

electroconvulsive therapy

/ ĭ-lĕk′trō-kən-vŭl′sĭv /

1. Administration of electric current to the brain through electrodes placed on the head, usually near the temples, in order to induce unconsciousness and brief seizures. It is used in the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders, especially severe depression.

Word History and Origins

Origin of electroconvulsive therapy¹

First recorded in 1945–50; electro- + convulsive

Example Sentences

It seemed to work: Antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy often made the animal try harder.

From Science Magazine

People can decline electroconvulsive therapy, for instance, or name care they want medical staff to try before they use approaches of last resort, such as arm and leg restraints.

From Seattle Times

"However, in people for whom medications don't work, electroconvulsive therapy can be life-saving. Understanding how it works will help us discover ways to increase the benefits while minimizing side effects."

From Science Daily

A fourth study published in June in the New England Journal of Medicine found ketamine worked just as well as electroconvulsive therapy among patients with depression.

From Salon

And as electroconvulsive therapy is in its 85th year of use, definitive answers continue to elude scientists — and patients.

From Salon