Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), formerly known as electroshock therapy, is the most well recognized form of non-invasive brain stimulation treatment. ECT consists of delivering a strong electrical current to the brain in order to induce a short controlled seizure, which seems to create changes in the brain’s chemistry. It has shown to be very effective (80-90%) at reducing symptoms of severe mental disorders, with tens of thousands of patients treated each year. Patients receiving ECT treatments are under full anesthesia while a trained team of experts performs the treatment, making it a much safer option in current medical practise. Side effects of ECT may include: confusion, memory loss, and discomfort, among others. Treatments are usually delivered once to twice a week, and the duration is variable between people.
Current Research Projects involving ECT