“Electroconvulsive Therapy”, Randall T. Espinoza, Charles H. Kellner2022-02-27 (depression, SCZ)⁠:

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been an essential treatment for severe mood and psychotic disorders for many decades, and its use is supported by evidence of efficacy and safety.^1–3 This brief review discusses current indications for ECT and recent advances in treatment. Over the past 15 years, new treatments—for example, vagus-nerve stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and intranasal administration of esketamine—have been approved for use in depression. Trials comparing new treatments directly with ECT have been inadequate,^2,3 and none of these approaches have been considered a replacement for ECT in severely depressed and certain psychotic patients.^3,4

…ECT is a valuable treatment for several severe psychiatric illnesses, particularly when a rapid response is critical and when other treatments have failed. Refinements in technique have reduced, but not eliminated, side effects. Research into the neurobiological basis for the effects of ECT is ongoing, since the mechanism of action is not known. Stigma and lack of access to treatment have contributed to the under-use of ECT.