Is stigma preventing knowledge translation and utilization of electroconvulsive therapy for depression?

We welcome the recent publication of Dr. Munkholm's insightful letter to the editor outlining his concerns of our meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in unipolar major depression (MDD) and bipolar major depression (BD). Despite its established efficacy and safety profile, the use of ECT remains a highly controversial and stigmatized practice - even among psychiatrists. Thus, we expected that our publishing of this review and its results may be difficult to accept by many in the psychiatric community. However, we welcome the opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussion about this current 'gold standard' for treatment-resistant depression. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.