Electrtoconvulsive therapy: the position of the Canadian Psychiatric Association.

In the light of our present understanding, we conclude that ECT continues to offer an important treatment modality, particularly for people suffering from major affective and schizophrenic disorders. Its decreased use, in spite of demonstrated effectiveness, has been influenced not only by the development of alternative forms of therapy, but also by a reluctance and defensiveness about using a form of treatment that is not yet clearly understood.