This book presents the latest clinical guidelines for psychiatrists who prescribe electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and practitioners who administer it. It clarifies the place of ECT in contemporary practice and reviews the evidence for its efficacy. Recommendations about practical administration are included, which are intended to maximise the effectiveness of the treatment and minimise any possible adverse effects. The evidence relating to psychotropic drug therapy during and after ECT is presented and analysed, and a chapter is devoted to legal issues and consent to treatment. Suggested protocols and other useful resources are included as appendices.