definitions

electroconvulsive therapy

[ ih-lek-troh-kuh n-vuhl-siv, ih-lek- ]
/ ɪˈlɛk troʊ kənˈvʌl sɪv, ɪˌlɛk- /
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR electroconvulsive therapy ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Psychiatry.

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. Abbreviation: ECT

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RELATED WORDS

ECT, electroshock

Nearby words

electrocochleogram, electrocochleography, electroconductive, electrocontractility, electroconvulsive, electroconvulsive therapy, electrocorticogram, electrocorticography, electrocratic, electrocute, electrocution
Compare shock therapy.

Origin of electroconvulsive therapy

First recorded in 1945–50; electro- + convulsive
Also called electroshock.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for electroconvulsive therapy

electroconvulsive therapy

/ (ɪˌlɛktrəʊkənˈvʌlsɪv) /

noun

med the treatment of certain psychotic conditions by passing an electric current through the brain to induce coma or convulsionsAbbreviation: ECT Also called: electroshock therapy See also shock therapy
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for electroconvulsive therapy

electroconvulsive therapy

n.

Administration of electric current to the brain through electrodes placed on the head, usually near the temples, in order to induce unconsciousness and brief convulsions. Used in the treatment of certain mental disorders, especially acute depression.electroshock electroshock therapy
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for electroconvulsive therapy

electroconvulsive therapy

[ ĭ-lĕk′trō-kən-vŭl′sĭv ]

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.