Electroconvulsive therapy: a consensus on contemporary issues.

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy remains a clinically useful, efficacious and safe treatment. All scientific studies, task force reports and legal evaluations attest to this. Nevertheless its use remains controversial. Administration of ECT is a skilled procedure requiring an up-to-date knowledge of the technology, techniques, clinical implications, possible adverse effects and an awareness of the medico-legal and administrative requirements. Only then will this treatment be administered in the highest acceptable clinical standards. This paper reviews of recent advances in ECT where broad consensus exist.