[Indications for electroconvulsive therapy].

Curative electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains a very useful treatment, still irreplaceable for some specific rare cases, as long as other brain stimulation methods, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, remain experimental. ECT must be preceded by a rigorous evaluation of its therapeutic index, based on its advantages and risks compared with other potential treatments, in view of the patient's medical and psychiatric history. The principal indication is very severe depressive illness.