In recent years, ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) as a treatment for severe depression is being used by a growing number of Psychiatrists. The modern technique includes the use of very low AC voltages applied to one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral) of the skull. The patient is anesthesized and feels nothing. ECT in no way resembles the barbaric "shock treatments" portrayed in the movies (e.g. "Fear Strikes Out", the Jimmy Piersall story). However, it is nonethless controversial. There are claims that it causes permanent brain damage and memory loss. The AMA and APA claim that the procedure is safe and effective in treating depression. What do you think?
2006-07-16 18:56:33 · 6 answers · asked by almintaka 4 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
ECT is effective in treating depression and other mental illnesses. And has very few side effects as well; like memory loss and confusion which could last from a few minutes to one day.
However not all depressive patients need ECT.
ECT is usually recommended when patient is depressed to the extent that he does not eat or sleep or talk; orelse when he develops pecular mannerisms.
It is usually given to patients when drug therapy is ineffective or the patient is allergic to drugs or is uncompliant with medication
2006-07-16 19:37:55 · answer #1 · answered by dark and beautiful 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
extra points for the cosmic name. hmmmm, lets see, approved by the AMA *and* APA, the ex cathedra twins. well, what's your intuition about it? if it were me i would certainly look into alternative medicine and less counter intuitive processes. certainly worth a bit of research. my understanding is there are treatments for depression that don't sound quite so.....well, depressing. i don't mean to be too flippant, since depression is a serious matter. but, i have read about more holistic, alternative approaches being effective, and far less intrusive and "shocking". i would make every effort first to seek these others out. personally, i think that taking a more "eastern " approach and working on balancing the internal energy system would be helpful. thus, perhaps even acupuncture would be a possibility. western medicine is only now beginning to work with techniques known for millenia in the far east, for example. i'm sure they've dealt with depression and didn't turn to such a controversial process. best of luck.
2006-07-17 02:26:40 · answer #2 · answered by drakke1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically shock therapy; albeit, 'low shock.' I think this is like asking if slugs are still good treatment for skin disorders. It is both primitive and dangereous. I also don't bank on any organization's claims of supposed safety. Show me conclusive evidence that supports that stance.
2006-07-17 02:30:27 · answer #3 · answered by nunya 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be in some types of depression. but like every thing the best tretments don't always work the same on different people so they all carry some type of risk factor involved.
2006-07-17 02:11:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't trust anyone crazier than you are, especially psychiatrists, Every psychiatrist I've met had a god complex (social meetings not 'professional')
2006-07-17 02:20:57 · answer #5 · answered by 1crazypj 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I always feel a little better after tying a b it ch to a bed and shocking her skull. Sure works for me on a rainy day, lemme' tell ya.
2006-07-17 06:09:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 6⤋