Indications for the use of ECT:
(1) Severe depression when
(1a) other treatments are not effective.
(1b) other treatments cannot be used due to serious side effects.
(1c) there is a need for a rapid response and other treatments cannot work fast enough to meet the needs of the clinical situation.
(1d) it is the patient's preference.
(1e) there is a history of a good response to ECT in the past associated with a poor response to medication.
(2) Mania
(3) Psychotic exacerbation in a patient with schizophrenia
(3a) if the onset has been an abrupt or recent.
(3b) catatonia present.
(3c) history of favorable response in the past.
(4) Delirium, psychosis or catatonia associated with a toxic or metabolic condition.
