ECT

Key points

• ECT indications: severe life-threatening depression (refusing food/fluid) · psychotic depression · severe postnatal depression · treatment-resistant mania · catatonia.
• Cognitive side effects: short-term anterograde/retrograde amnesia (usually transient).
• Requires consent (or MHA framework); typically bilateral, twice weekly courses of 6–12.
• ECT remains the most effective treatment for severe depression.