Metrazol shock therapy also known as Cardiazol shock therapy, convulsive therapy or seizure therapy is a psychotherapeutic treatment for mental illnesses. It works by inducing seizures in patients under controlled circumstances. The use of anesthesia and paralytics is recommended to lessen the physical effects of the seizure. Synonyms for Metrazol shock therapy include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which is a similar treatment that uses electrical currents instead of drugs to induce seizures. Other synonyms may include seizure therapy, convulsive electrotherapy, and shock therapy. Despite being a controversial treatment, some mental health professionals still use it to treat severe cases of depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders.