Facebook Q&A on Electroconvulsive Therapy

March 17, 2016 • Science Update

Despite electroconvulsive therapy’s (ECT) strong efficacy and safety record, many misconceptions still persist among both patients and professionals. ECT is safe and highly effective for severe, treatment-resistant depression, as well as a variety of other serious mental disorders. ECT is a type of brain stimulation therapy, which involves activating or touching the brain directly with electricity, magnets, or implants.

Although major depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S., some patients don’t respond to the most commonly used treatments. ECT is often the last best hope.

In recognition of Brain Awareness Week (BAW), please join the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) on Thursday, March 17, 2016, for a live Facebook Q&A on ECT. Expert Sarah Hollingsworth Lisanby, M.D., Director of NIMH’s Division of Translational Research, will be debunking ECT myths and answering your questions.

The Q&A will occur on NIMH’s Facebook page . If you have any questions, please email NIMHpress@nih.gov. See you on Facebook!

View the Q&A summary. (Also available as pdf.)