What is a major reason for the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is primarily utilized as a treatment option for severe major depression, particularly when the condition is unresponsive to other forms of treatment such as medications or psychotherapy. This intervention is often considered when a patient exhibits significant functional impairment, is at risk of suicide, or faces other acute medical issues that are exacerbated by depression. The efficacy of ECT in alleviating symptoms of severe major depression has been well-documented, making it a critical tool in psychiatric treatment.

In contrast, while ECT may sometimes be used in certain situations for other mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder (more so during severe depressive episodes) or treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder, these conditions are not the primary focus of ECT. Generalized anxiety disorder, on the other hand, typically does not warrant ECT as a first-line treatment due to the availability of effective pharmacological and therapeutic interventions. Thus, the prominence of severe major depression as a key indication for ECT underscores its role in mental health treatment when other methods fail.