US Medical Term · procedures
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Terapia electroconvulsiva
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Electroconvulsive Therapy |
| Spanish (Español) | Terapia electroconvulsiva |
| Chinese (中文) | 電痙攣療法 |
| Korean (한국어) | 전기경련치료 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Liệu pháp điện giật |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Electroconvulsive therapy |
| Portuguese (Português) | Eletroconvulsoterapia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การรักษาด้วยไฟฟ้าชักนำ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 電気けいれん療法 |
What it means
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure in which a brief, controlled electrical current is applied to the brain under general anesthesia to produce a brief seizure. Despite its dramatic-sounding name, ECT is a safe and highly effective treatment for severe depression, bipolar disorder, catatonia, and treatment-resistant mental illness. It is typically given two to three times per week for several weeks. Memory problems are a common but often temporary side effect. ECT is used when medications have failed or when a rapid response is needed, such as in a patient with severe suicidal ideation or inability to eat.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My psychiatrist recommended electroconvulsive therapy because my depression has not responded to medications.
Mi psiquiatra recomendó terapia electroconvulsiva porque mi depresión no ha respondido a los medicamentos.
Electroconvulsive therapy will be performed under general anesthesia at the hospital.
La terapia electroconvulsiva se realizará bajo anestesia general en el hospital.
Does my inpatient mental health benefit cover electroconvulsive therapy sessions?
¿Mi beneficio de salud mental hospitalaria cubre las sesiones de terapia electroconvulsiva?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026