Abstract
Electroconvulsive treatment is a method of biological treatment which is used in treatment of serious states of mental disorders. The ECT has been used for more than 80 years and its treatment effectivity in some indications and cases had not been overcome.
The method is based on induction of epileptic - like paroxysmus using of alternating modified scalp of the brain. Mechanism of action has not been elucidated; ECT seems to have complex impact.
ECT is used in majority of inpatient psychiatric settings for adults in the Czech Republic. Despite its proven efficacy, it still carries a public stigma, which is not based on reality.
The ECT method passed through time with important modernisation and potential side effects are contemporary and mild.