ECT in the 21st century: optimizing treatment: state of the art in the 21st century.

摘要

As we enter the 21 st century, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains a highly relevant and essential treatment. Given its superior and reliable efficacy, it is likely that ECT will retain its place as one of the most effective treatments for a range of psychiatric disorders for the foreseeable future. This is in the context of exciting developments in other brain stimulation techniques, for example, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and magnetic seizure therapy, which have favorable adverse effect profiles, but which are yet to demonstrate efficacy levels approaching those of ECT. Rather than replacing ECT, these new approaches may evolve as complementary therapies, expanding the range of physical treatment options available.