Is ECT an effective treatment for SMI?

ECT is actually considered the most effective intervention for severe depression. Numerous clinical studies show that it is both safe and effective compared to placebo and antidepressants.

Even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, ECT was deemed a vital treatment given its numerous benefits.

Learn more about common myths around SMI and treatment, including ECT. See our infographic on this topic.

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REFERENCES

• Sackeim HA. Modern electroconvulsive therapy: vastly improved yet greatly underused. JAMA Psychiatry. 2017 Aug 1;74(8):779-80.
• Pagnin D, de Queiroz V, Pini S, Cassano GB. Efficacy of ECT in depression: a meta-analytic review. Focus. 2008 Jan;6(1):155-62.
• Lapid MI, Seiner S, Heintz H, Hermida AP, Nykamp L, Sanghani SN, Mueller M, Petrides G, Forester BP. Electroconvulsive therapy practice changes in older individuals due to COVID-19: expert consensus statement. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2020 Nov 1;28(11):1133-45.