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electroconvulsive therapy

·June 13, 2025·7 min read

ECT Cuts Suicide Risk by 34% in Severe Depression

A new meta-analysis reveals that Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) reduces suicide risk by 34% and all-cause mortality by 30% in individuals with severe depression. The study, which pooled data from 26 high-quality studies, compared nearly 18,000 patients treated with ECT to over 25,000 who received standard care. ECT also modestly reduced suicidal thoughts, showing broader health benefits beyond mental health. While newer therapies like rTMS and VNS showed some promise, the evidence was too limited to draw firm conclusions.

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·May 31, 2025·3 min read

Brain ‘Reset Wave’ May Explain How ECT Rapidly Relieves Depression

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), long misunderstood due to outdated portrayals, remains the most effective treatment for severe, treatment-resistant mental illness. While traditionally thought to work solely through induced seizures, new research reveals that ECT also triggers a second brain event: cortical spreading depolarization (CSD).

This shows the researcher with the ECT machine

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·June 3, 2019·6 min read

Lower-amp ECT appears effective against suicidal thoughts

Low amplitude electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) lowers suicidal ideation in patients with major depressive disorder and bipolar depression, a new small randomized pilot study reveals. Within just three sessions, patients reported relief from suicidal thoughts.

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·June 28, 2018·3 min read

People Undergoing Voluntary and Involuntary ECT Treatment Have Similar Outcomes

Researchers report both those who received voluntary and involuntary electroconvulsive therapy reported their symptoms were much improved following treatment.

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·May 9, 2018·7 min read

Surprising Finding About ‘Shock Therapy’ for Depression Suggests More Patients Should Try It Sooner

For those with treatment resistant depression, a new study reports ECT may not only be the most effective treatment, but also the most cost effective.

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·May 8, 2018·4 min read

“Treatments” As Torture: Gay Conversion Therapy’s Deep Roots in Australia

Despite the legalization of same sex marriage in Australia, some people are calling for returning to the debate about "gay conversion therapy". A new paper looks at the history of 'treatments' aimed at 'curing' people of their sexual orientation.

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·December 18, 2017·6 min read

How ECT Relieves Depression: Mouse Study

John Hopkins researchers have uncovered new details that may explain, on a molecular level, how ECT relieves severe depression in mammals.

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·June 5, 2017·2 min read

Addressing Misconceptions About Electroconvulsive Therapy

Summary: Despite popular belief, many patients who receive ECT view the therapy in a positive light, researchers report. Source: Wiley....

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·May 2, 2017·6 min read

ECT is Safe and Nothing to Fear

Researchers say fear of electroconvulsive therapy is unfounded, as the treatment is safe and effective. However, the entertainment industry play on people's fears of ECT and continue to show the treatment in a negative light.

Image shows a woman sitting with her back to the camera.

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·March 6, 2017·3 min read

Ketamine No “Wonder Drug” For Depression

Researchers report there is no added benefit in using ketamine over standard anesthetic when it comes to administering ECT to people with depression.

Image shows an electroconvulsive therapy machine on display at Glenside Museum.

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·January 13, 2017·7 min read