The truth about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) - Helen M. Farrell
827,078 Views
5,399 Questions Answered
Let’s Begin…
In 1982, a young nurse was suffering from severe, unrelenting depression. She couldn’t work, socialize or concentrate. One controversial treatment changed everything: after two courses of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) her symptoms lifted. So what exactly is electroconvulsive therapy and why is it so stigmatized? Helen M. Farrell details the history and evolution of ECT.
There are a number of medications available for depression and mood disorders. ECT is a more invasive treatment that is used when other treatments fail. What are some other approaches or therapies that could be tried for an individual suffering from depression?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Helen M. Farrell
- Director Igor Coric
- Narrator Bethany Cutmore-Scott
- Senior Animator Igor Coric
- Animator Nemanja Petrovic
- Producer Milica Lapcevic
- Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
- Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
- Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
- Associate Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
- Script Editor Eleanor Nelsen
- Fact-Checker Laura Shriver