<P> A round of ECT is effective for about 50 % of people with treatment - resistant major depressive disorder , whether it is unipolar or bipolar . Follow - up treatment is still poorly studied , but about half of people who respond relapse within 12 months . Aside from effects in the brain , the general physical risks of ECT are similar to those of brief general anesthesia . Immediately following treatment , the most common adverse effects are confusion and memory loss . Among treatments for severely depressed pregnant women ECT is one of the least harmful to the gestating fetus . </P>
<P> A round of ECT is effective for about 50 % of people with treatment - resistant major depressive disorder , whether it is unipolar or bipolar . Follow - up treatment is still poorly studied , but about half of people who respond relapse within 12 months . Aside from effects in the brain , the general physical risks of ECT are similar to those of brief general anesthesia . Immediately following treatment , the most common adverse effects are confusion and memory loss . Among treatments for severely depressed pregnant women ECT is one of the least harmful to the gestating fetus . </P>
the most common adverse effect of electroconvulsive therapy ( ect ) is
the most common adverse effect of electroconvulsive therapy ( ect ) is
confusion and memory loss
confusion and memory loss