Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used to treat major depression, catatonia, and mania along with other second-line indications such as in patients who have not responded to medications, are debilitated by serious side effects, or are acutely suicidal. Patients who suffer from delusions, hallucinations, or profound psychomotor retardation are less responsive to medication, and thus, early ECT is preferred for them as well. Usually, a series of 6 to 12 treatments over 2 to 4 weeks is required for a clinical response.