Early Development:

• 1930s: ECT was first developed in Italy by psychiatrists Ugo Cerletti and Lucio Bini. They discovered that inducing seizures with electrical currents could alleviate symptoms of severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and depression.

Mid-20th Century:

• 1940s-1950s: ECT became widely used in psychiatric hospitals around the world. It was often administered without anesthesia or muscle relaxants, leading to significant side effects such as memory loss and physical injuries.

Advancements and Controversy:

• 1960s-1970s: The use of ECT declined due to the development of psychiatric medications and growing concerns about its safety and ethical implications. Public perception was also negatively influenced by its portrayal in media, such as the film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."

Modern Use:

• 1980s-Present: Advances in medical technology have made ECT much safer. Today, it is administered under general anesthesia with muscle relaxants to minimize discomfort and reduce risks. It is primarily used for severe depression, treatment-resistant bipolar disorder, and certain cases of schizophrenia.

Current Status:

• ECT remains a controversial but effective treatment option for some individuals with severe mental illness who do not respond to other treatments. Ongoing research aims to further improve its safety profile and efficacy.