electroshock therapy

electroshock therapy   n.  See electroconvulsive therapy.

electroshock therapy

The passing of an electric current through the brain to induce a brief seizure. This therapy is still used to treat major depression when other methods, such as drugs, are ineffective or not well tolerated by the recipient.

Note: Although this treatment has been controversial, the careful use of anesthetics and muscle relaxers in combination with a more controlled use of a lower electric current has reduced the problems that were associated with it in the past.

Main Entry: electroshock therapy
Function: noun
: the treatment of mental disorder and especially depression by the induction of unconsciousness and convulsions throughthe use of an electric current now usually on an anesthetized patient called also electric shock, electric shock therapy, electric shock treatment, electroconvulsive therapy

electroshock therapy n.
See electroconvulsive therapy.