Am J Psychiatry 1979; 136:1507-1517
Copyright © 1979 by American Psychiatric Association
The psychiatric use of electrically induced seizures
RD Weiner
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.
