The author reviews literature pertaining to the efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), with emphasis on the controversy concerning whether ECT causes brain damage. ECT does appear to be effective in the treatment of severe depression and possibly mania. The types of memory problems caused by ECT are discussed, and evidence suggests that most of these deficits are transitory. Although most evidence points toward modern ECT not causing brain damage, there are still some findings that raise questions about safety. Ethical issues involving this treatment's use, its availability to the public, and informed consent procedures are discussed.

中文翻译：

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电痉挛疗法的争议：证据和伦理。

作者回顾了有关电惊厥疗法（ECT）的功效和安全性的文献，重点是关于ECT是否引起脑损伤的争议。ECT似乎对治疗严重抑郁症和躁狂症有效。讨论了由ECT引起的记忆问题的类型，证据表明这些缺陷大多数都是暂时性的。尽管大多数证据表明现代ECT不会引起脑损伤，但仍有一些发现提出了有关安全性的问题。讨论了涉及该治疗方法的使用，其公众可获得性以及知情同意程序的伦理问题。