The psychiatric use of electrically induced seizures.

ECT is an effective but also controversial treatment modality in psychiatry. The decision of when to use ECT is predicated on a knowledgeable assessment of anticipated benefits and possible risks as they apply to each individual case. Refinements in ECT technique have minimized risks, but have also increased the methodological complexity. The author presents a clinical review of ECT use with particular emphasis on practical issues related to efficacy, risks, and technique.