Electroconvulsive therapy in psychiatric practice: a selective review of the evidence.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is largely historical but is still in use. Modern psychiatry requires careful selection of patients in whom ECT will be performed. The indications for ECT treatment are limited, and the selection criteria should be strictly followed. The advantages and the disadvantages of the methods are discussed here. Despite the limitations, ECT seems to have real value in selected mental conditions in which it can even be considered a life-saving procedure.