shock therapy

noun

1. (not in technical use) any of various therapies, as insulin shock therapy or electroconvulsive therapy, that induce convulsions or unconsciousness, used for symptomatic relief in certain mental disorders.

shock therapy

noun

1. the treatment of certain psychotic conditions by injecting drugs or by passing an electric current through the brain ( electroconvulsive therapy ) to produce convulsions or coma

shock therapy

1. The treatment of a mentally ill person by passing electric shocks through the brain .

Word History and Origins

Origin of shock therapy¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

It marked the first direct clash with a psychiatric profession that had classified homosexuality as a mental disorder and advised everything from talk therapy to psychologically destructive shock therapy to “cure” homosexuality.

From Washington Blade

At the extreme in this genre is ECT, or shock therapy, which induces seizures—and is typically used as a last resort.

From The Daily Beast