electroconvulsive therapy
[ ih-lek-troh-kuh n-vuhl-siv, ih-lek- ]
/ ɪˈlɛk troʊ kənˈvʌl sɪv, ɪˌlɛk- /
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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Also called electroshock.
Compare shock therapy.
Origin of electroconvulsive therapy
First recorded in 1945–50; electro- + convulsive
Words nearby electroconvulsive therapy
electrocochleogram, electrocochleography, electroconductive, electrocontractility, electroconvulsive, electroconvulsive therapy, electrocorticogram, electrocorticography, electrocratic, electrocute, electrocyte
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
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
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Medical 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.
Scientific 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.