Final answer:
The greatest risk of death with ECT is potential cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke. These risks are higher in older adults with preexisting cardiovascular conditions. ECT has been shown to be effective in treating severe depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The greatest risk of death with Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is rare but potential cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke. These events may occur due to the anesthesia, muscle relaxants, and the electrical stimulation itself during the procedure.
Cardiovascular risks are typically higher in older adults, especially those with preexisting heart disease, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular conditions. It is important that these risks are carefully evaluated and monitored by a medical team before and during ECT treatment.
It is worth noting that the overall mortality rate for ECT is low, and the effectiveness of ECT in treating severe depression has been supported by numerous studies and meta-analyses.