Indications
Primary Indications
Severe, treatment-resistant depressionUrgent need for rapid symptom control (e.g., suicidal intent)Bipolar disorder with severe depressive or manic episodesCatatonia or severe psychosis
A medical procedure in which controlled electrical currents are passed through the brain to intentionally trigger a brief seizure, used to treat severe psychiatric conditions when other treatments have failed or are unsafe.
Reviewed by the HeyPsych Medical Review Board · Reviewed November 24, 2025
Choose a condition to see how it's used for it.
Used for
Also prescribed for (off-label)
Common use
Electroconvulsive Therapy is used for Severe major depressive disorder. The full guide below has the details.
How many people in 100 notice each one in clinical studies. Many early side effects fade within a few weeks.
Prolonged seizure
Cardiac complications
Thoughts of suicide? Call or text 988, any time.
Everything we know about Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), section by section.
15 chapters · about 15 min to read it all. Open any one.
Frequency: Typically 2–3 times per week
Duration: 2–4 weeks for acute course
Total Treatment Time: 6–12 treatments per acute course
Anesthesia induction and monitoring setup.
Electrical stimulus delivery and seizure monitoring.
Recovery in monitored setting; assessment for side effects.
typical session cost: $300–$800
total treatment cost: $3,000–$9,000 for a standard acute course
insurance coverage: Often covered for severe depression or catatonia
cost effectiveness: High for life-threatening depression and catatonia
Stigma and misconceptions limit access; cognitive side effects vary by protocol.
This treatment information is for educational purposes only. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals based on individual circumstances, symptoms, and medical history. Do not attempt treatment without professional guidance.
Thinking about Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)? A prescriber can tell you if it fits.
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