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One of the primary benefits of ECT is its rapid efficacy. Unlike antidepressant medications, which can take weeks or even months to show significant benefits, ECT can lead to improvements in a patient's condition in a matter of days or weeks. This aspect of ECT is particularly valuable in treating patients with severe or psychotic depression, where rapid improvement can be lifesaving.

Despite its efficacy, ECT has faced criticism and ethical concerns. Early forms of ECT were administered without consent and with minimal anesthesia, leading to a legacy of controversy. In response, contemporary practice emphasizes informed consent and stringent guidelines to ensure patient safety and autonomy. Modern ECT is conducted under general anesthesia, and muscle relaxants are used to prevent injury from convulsions. Side effects are generally short-term and can include confusion, memory loss (which can be temporary or, more rarely, long-term), and physical aches.