Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment primarily used for severe depression and certain other mental health conditions. It involves sending small electrical currents through the brain to induce a brief seizure, which can help alleviate symptoms when other treatments have failed. ECT is typically administered under general anesthesia and is performed in a controlled medical environment. The exact mechanism of how ECT works is not fully understood, but it is believed to affect neurotransmitters and brain chemistry. While ECT can be effective, it may also have side effects, including temporary memory loss and confusion, which are usually short-lived.