The Dilemma of Unmodified Electroconvulsive Therapy

Abstract

The authors note that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is unequalled in efficacy for the treatment of severe and psychotic depression, catatonia, and other psychotic disorders. However, ECT is mired in controversy throughout the world. They discuss the disadvantages of unmodified ECT, the transition of unmodified to modified ECT, and new data on unmodified ECT. They also discuss ethical, efficacy, and legal issues surrounding unmodified ECT. In the context of the recent literature, and the continued use of unmodified ECT throughout the world, a disquieting and likely controversial conclusion is that it may be necessary to again objectively compare the benefits and risks of modified and unmodified ECT, as well as patients' experiences with and subsequent attitudes toward these 2 forms of treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)