> Electroconvulsive therapy uses much larger electric shocks but, administered safely by a clinic, is extremely safe, has relatively minor side effects compared to e.g. SSRIs, and is very effective for severe depression.

The evidence base for these claims appears to be missing.

https://theconversation.com/no-evidence-that-ect-works-for-d...

It's liked by some practitioners, not by others, but actual studies in this area are low quality, didn't follow up with longer term checks, and are generally inadequate.

"The failure to find any meaningful long-term benefits compared to placebo groups are particularly distressing."