Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective biological method of treatment in psychiatry, which has been applied for almost 80 years. In spite of its provable efficiency, this method raises stigmatization by general public.
This attitude comes from historic experiences with this treatment and it is not based on real justification today. This article brings detailed overview of development of electroconvulsive therapy with focus on experimental and clinical experiences with this treatment in its beginnings.
The authors summarize development of treatment indications and contra-indications, changes of technical and other treatment parameters and the occurrence of side-efects. Attention is also paid to historic aspects of this treatment in czech psychiatry.