What scares you about ECT? The way it was done in the early 1900's, yes, that would scare me. Now, they put in an IV, put electrodes on your forehead, attach an EKG monitor, knock you out and paralyze your body. Then the pdoc presses a button and the electrical charge lasts just seconds causing a seizure that lasts 30 to 60 seconds. All that moves is your toes. A few minutes later you wake up in the recovery room, rest a little while and then on home. You may have a headache but an OTC pain med will take care of it. The procedure is simple and painless.