Which of the following is a benefit of using electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to treat depression?

• A. ECT has no side effects and does not require anesthesia.
• B. ECT can provide rapid symptom relief for severe depression when other treatments have failed.
• C. ECT is only effective for treating anxiety disorders, not depression.
• D. ECT permanently cures depression in all patients.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment primarily used for severe depression, especially when other treatments have not been effective.
2. Recognize that ECT involves inducing controlled seizures under anesthesia to bring about changes in brain chemistry that can quickly relieve symptoms of depression.
3. Evaluate the options by considering common knowledge about ECT: it is known for rapid symptom relief, but it does have side effects and requires anesthesia, so options stating otherwise are incorrect.
4. Note that ECT is not limited to anxiety disorders and does not guarantee a permanent cure for all patients, which helps eliminate those answer choices.
5. Conclude that the main benefit of ECT is its ability to provide rapid symptom relief for severe depression when other treatments have failed.