Electroshock

Electroshock is a term used to describe the application of an electric current to the body. It is encountered in medical, security, and research settings. In medicine, electroshock commonly refers to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a psychiatric treatment that uses brief electrical stimulation to induce a controlled seizure under anesthesia.

ECT is used for certain severe mood disorders, catatonia, and some treatment-resistant conditions. It typically involves placing electrodes on the scalp, delivering a calibrated electrical pulse, and aiming for a seizure lasting a short time. Modern practice emphasizes anesthesia, muscle relaxation, and careful monitoring. A typical course spans several sessions over a few weeks, with consideration of cognitive side effects, especially memory loss.

In law enforcement and security contexts, electroshock devices such as tasers deliver a high-voltage, low-current pulse intended to temporarily incapacitate a person. The exposure is usually brief and may be followed by a sensory or muscular incoordination period. Risks include injuries from falls, heart rhythm disturbances in susceptible individuals, and psychological distress. Use is guided by policy, training, and applicable laws; medical evaluation is advised after exposure if harm is suspected.

Outside medicine and policing, electrical shocks are used in research, anesthesia testing, or as safety measures in industrial contexts. The term electroshock can raise ethical and legal questions related to consent, safety, and rights of individuals subjected to electrical stimulation. Overall, electroshock denotes a range of techniques under strict professional protocols designed to minimize harm.