electroconvulsive therapy

American  

[ih-lek-troh-kuhn-vuhl-siv, ih-lek-] / ɪˈlɛk troʊ kənˈvʌl sɪv, ɪˌlɛk- /

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

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electroconvulsive therapy British  

/ 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

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electroconvulsive therapy Scientific  

/ ĭ-lĕk′trō-kən-vŭl′sĭv /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of electroconvulsive therapy

First recorded in 1945–50; electro- + convulsive

Example Sentences

It seemed to work: Antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy often made the animal try harder.

From Science Magazine

People can decline electroconvulsive therapy, for instance, or name care they want medical staff to try before they use approaches of last resort, such as arm and leg restraints.

From Seattle Times

However, despite this high success rate, electroconvulsive therapy is frequently associated with frightening images of people receiving painful, high voltage shocks.

From Science Daily

His parents wondered: Was electroconvulsive therapy to blame?

From Salon

Hospitalized this time in the state capital of Madison, 60 miles away, Mr. Statz underwent electroconvulsive therapy.

From New York Times