Electroconvulsive therapy, also known as ECT, is a medical procedure used in the treatment of mental illness. In ECT, a small electrical impulse is sent through the brain, resulting in a short-lived seizure. Although the process is generally effective, modern science ignores the explanation for ECT's success. Its history is filled with great stigma and the use of ECT as therapy is still debated today. ECT has evolved to a point where its beneficial effects can be maximized and its adverse effects can be minimized through appropriate administration. The ancient Romans were the first to use electricity to treat illnesses several thousand years ago; however, "electrical medicine" improved and was used in forms prior to ECT in a relatively short period of time. In the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, doctors began to notice that giving people camphor could “cure madness” (Abrams, 2002). Doctors noted that oral administration of camphor caused convulsions and that upon awakening, they were “in a rational state” (Abrams, 2002). In fact, in 1798, a German scientist reported that 80% of camphor-treated manic patients who had convulsions were cured (Abrams, 2002). As medical and technological advances have occurred, so has the use of crisis induction to cure mental illness. In 1934, a scientist managed to cure a schizophrenic patient, who had been on a hunger strike and had not moved for four years, thanks to a camphor-induced seizure (Abrams, 2002). And “thus, seizure therapy was born” (Abrams, 2002). At the end of the year, this scientist published the results of the same action carried out with twenty-six schizophrenics, ten patients were cured, thirteen had no response.... middle of paper ... ... will be given. Even if the use of ECT disappears, the research impacts will lead to necessary and important scientific discoveries. Works Cited Abrams, Richard. Electroconvulsive therapy. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2002. Print. Dahl, Melissa. “Shock therapy is making a quiet comeback.” Msnbc.com. August 6, 2008. The web. “Benefits and side effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).” WebMD. March 1, 2010. The web. November 13, 2014. Fitzgerald, Paul. “It’s time to move on from ECT’s shocking past.” The Conversation: In-depth analysis, research, news, and insights from leading academics and researchers. September 29, 2011. The web. November 8, 2014. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).” Mayo Clinic. July 9, 2010. the web. November 10, 2014. "Use of electroconvulsive therapy during pregnancy -- Miller 45 (5): 444 -- Hosp Community Psychiatry." Psychiatric services. May 1991. The web. November 8. 2014.