How does electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) work?
ECT works by affecting the same transmitter chemicals in the brain that are affected by medications. As more effective medications have been developed, the use of ECT for the treatment of depression has decreased. However, ECT is very effective for treating patients who cannot take medications due to heart conditions, old age, or severe malnourishment, or for patients who do not respond to antidepressant medication. It can be a lifesaving treatment technique that is considered when other therapies have failed, or when a person is very likely to commit suicide. This page was last updated on: February 5, 2008.