electroconvulsive therapy

noun

Examples of electroconvulsive therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Shock therapy, also called electroconvulsive therapy or ECT, is a treatment approach for mental health conditions. Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 11 July 2024 News then came out that Eagleton had been treated for depression and had electroconvulsive therapy. Philip Klinkner, The Conversation, 9 July 2024 Research has shown that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is also somewhat effective. Karen Pallarito, Health, 2 June 2024 In 2019, Rachel started struggling with suicidal thoughts after a different romantic relationship ended on bad terms, though electroconvulsive therapy (formerly called electroshock) brought those under control, Skanron said. Meg Wingerter, The Denver Post, 14 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for electroconvulsive therapy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'electroconvulsive therapy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electroconvulsive therapy was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near electroconvulsive therapy

Cite this Entry

“Electroconvulsive therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electroconvulsive%20therapy. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

electroconvulsive therapy

noun
: the treatment of mental illness and especially depression by the application of electric current to the head of a usually anesthetized patient that induces unconsciousness and convulsive seizures in the brain
abbreviation ECT

called also electric shock, electric shock therapy, electroshock therapy

More from Merriam-Webster on electroconvulsive therapy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!