Ugo Cerletti

Italian psychiatrist

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June 24, 2026

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Ugo Cerletti was an Italian psychiatrist who, along with Lucio Bini, introduced electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in 1938. ECT, also known as shock therapy, involves inducing a seizure by passing a mild electric current through the brain. This treatment has been widely used for severe depression and other psychiatric disorders. While its exact mechanism is not fully understood, ECT can be effective when other treatments fail. Patients may experience temporary memory impairment after treatment.12

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mental disorder
Development of physical and pharmacological treatments
…technique introduced by Italian psychiatrists Ugo Cerletti and Lucio Bini in 1938. Electroconvulsive treatment was more successful in alleviating states of severe depression than in treating symptoms of schizophrenia. Psychosurgery, or surgery performed to treat mental illness, was introduced by Portuguese neurologist António
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…technique introduced by Italian psychiatrists Ugo Cerletti and Lucio Bini in 1938. Electroconvulsive treatment was more successful in alleviating states of severe depression than in treating symptoms of schizophrenia. Psychosurgery, or surgery performed to treat mental illness, was introduced by Portuguese neurologist António
Read More