For one thing it's much safer. The patient is given anesthesia, a muscle relaxant, and all vital signs are monitored. Then electrode paddles are placed on the temples to trigger a seizure that lasts about a minute. Doctors aren't sure why it works. It's the seizure, not the electricity, which apparently changes the brain's chemistry in a way that alleviates the depression.
Patients are asleep, so they feel no pain.
Afterwards they may experience headaches, nausea, and minor muscle aches. While ECT seems simple and safe, opponents say it can be dangerous. Dr. Daniel Fisher, Psychiatrist, Ntl. It's a brain damaging procedure. The treatment is sometimes worse than the condition.