A patient has been diagnosed with severe, treatment-resistant depression, having shown no improvement after trials with multiple antidepressant medications and various forms of psychotherapy. A clinician suggests electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as the next step. Evaluate this recommendation. In your response, you should weigh the potential benefits of ECT for this type of patient against its associated risks and societal stigma. Conclude with a justified argument for or against proceeding with this treatment.