Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition which would require medical treatment for long, more commonly for lifetime Even on treatment a patient can have sudden exacerbation of symptoms of either depression or mania ECTs would help in controlling the acute exacerbations. ECTs can bring rapid control but they cannot be a replacement to medicines. The cost of the treatment varies from place to place and depending on the symptoms, the number of ECTs need to be determined. Generally one would need 6-8 ECTs but the number can vary individually