Ugo Cerletti

Ugo Cerletti was an Italian psychiatrist and neurologist best known for developing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the 1930s. He believed that delivering controlled electric shocks to the brain could help treat mental illnesses like severe depression and schizophrenia. Cerletti’s work was groundbreaking, as it introduced a new, effective treatment for patients unresponsive to other methods. Although ECT has evolved over time, it remains a valuable tool in psychiatry today when used appropriately. His contributions significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of mental health conditions, making him a key figure in psychiatric history.