electroconvulsive therapy

[ih-lek-troh-kuhn-vuhl-siv, ih-lek-]

noun

Psychiatry.

1. a treatment for serious mental illnesses, as severe depressive disorders, involving the application to the head of electric current in order to induce a seizure: usually administered after sedatives and muscle relaxants. ECT

electroconvulsive therapy

/ ɪˌlɛktrəʊkənˈvʌlsɪv /

noun

1. Also called: electroshock therapy.  ECT. med the treatment of certain psychotic conditions by passing an electric current through the brain to induce coma or convulsions See also shock therapy

electroconvulsive therapy

1. Administration of electric current to the brain through electrodes placed on the head, usually near the temples, in order to induce unconsciousness and brief seizures. It is used in the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders, especially severe depression.

Word History and Origins

Origin of electroconvulsive therapy¹

First recorded in 1945–50; electro- + convulsive