Therapeutic or Preventive Procedure
electroconvulsive therapy
[ ih-lek-troh-kuhn-vuhl-siv, ih-lek- ]
Subclass of:
Electroconvulsive Shock;
Convulsive therapy
Definitions related to electroconvulsive therapy:
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A procedure in which a series of short duration electric currents are passed via electrodes through the brain to cause a controlled seizure for the purpose of treating severe, intractable forms of mental illness, including depression, mania, and catatonia.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A treatment for severe depression and certain mental disorders. A brief seizure is induced by giving electrical stimulation to the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Electrically induced CONVULSIONS primarily used in the treatment of severe AFFECTIVE DISORDERS and SCHIZOPHRENIA.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Used for severe depression resistant to drug treatment; patients are anesthetized and given a muscle relaxant, and a brief pulse of current is passed through the brain, triggering a short seizure, 6-12 times over a 2-4 week period.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Introduction Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been demonstrated to be an effective and safe treatment for many psychiatric disorders. The use of ECT still generates significant controversy, however.WebMD, 2019
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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure, done under general anesthesia, in which small electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental health conditions.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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