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Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Explains what electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is, when it might be used and what happens during the treatment.

Useful contacts 

Mind's services

  • Helplines – our Infolines provide information and support by phone, email and text.
  • Local Minds – provide face-to-face services across England and Wales. These might be talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.
  • Elefriends – our supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Other organisations

Electroconvulsive Therapy Accreditation Service (ECTAS)

ectas.org.uk
Sets UK-wide standards for ECT services.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

nice.org.uk
Produces guidelines on best practice in healthcare.

POhWER

0300 456 2370
pohwer.net
Provides advocacy services in England.

Rethink Mental Illness

0300 5000 927
rethink.org
Provides support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems, including local support groups.

Royal College of Psychiatrists

rcpsych.ac.uk
Professional body for psychiatrists. Includes information about mental health problems and treatments.

This information was published in July 2019. We will revise it in 2022.

References are available on request. If you would like to reproduce any of this information, see our page on permissions and licensing.

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