Electroconvulsive therapy is primarily used to treat which type of patients?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is primarily utilized for severely depressed patients, particularly those who have not responded to other treatments, such as antidepressant medications or psychotherapy. ECT has been shown to be highly effective in cases of major depressive disorder, especially when it presents with severe symptoms, psychotic features, or life-threatening situations like suicidal ideation.

The method involves inducing a seizure through electrical stimulation of the brain, which can rapidly alleviate depressive symptoms. This treatment is often considered when rapid intervention is necessary, or when other treatments have failed, demonstrating its critical role in managing severe depression.

While chronic pain, obesity, and anxiety disorders can significantly affect individuals, ECT is not typically indicated for these conditions. Chronic pain management generally involves analgesics, physical therapy, or other pain management techniques. Obesity is addressed through lifestyle changes, medications, or surgeries focused on metabolic changes. Anxiety disorders are more commonly treated with psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medications like SSRIs, rather than ECT. Thus, the emphasis on its efficacy in treating severe depression makes it the appropriate choice among the options presented.