Is ECT electroconvulsive therapy still used? and has anyone had it?

Question

Was wondering whether it is effective, and what it is like?

Answer 1

It is still used, from what I understand, mostly in treatment-resistant depression. Basically when all else has failed. I believe it triggers a seizure that seems to almost "reset" the brain (kind of like restarting the computer).
I've known several people who had it done. Their biggest complaint is memory loss. For some people it is very effective. There are a series of treatments done, it's not a one time thing.

The way it's done now is not the way movies used to portray it...it's not so barbaric. It is still rather intimidating though.

Answer 2

yes ECT is still used as an effective treatment option in most psychiatric institutions. when drug therapy has had little or limited effect with patients who have a depresive illness. it is thought to stimulate areas in the brain that are responsible for the production of an chemical called seretonin, which is responsible for mood balance. it is very effective, hence why it is still considered a viable treatment option, although it does have side effects and is not without risks, these are usually wieghed up by the psychiatric team with regard to suitablility.

Answer 3

Yes it's still used, but to my understanding its use is limited. This would be due to the potential for side effects such as memory loss. It continues to be highly controversial, as well. I have never had it, but I've seen folks who have. Several were severely depressed, and one was schizophrenic. The depressed folks reported improvement, but they continued to experience depressive symptoms - just not to the severe degree they had been experiencing them. The individual with schizophrenia was very psychotic, and there was a decrease in those symptoms, but the change - the person was totally different.

Answer 4

electro convulsive medical care (ECT) replaced electro ask your self medical care in 1968 with the form of the skill to have the guy be sedated without combating their respiration gadget. there is not any "arching" of the physique while that's administered from now on. The memory loss is regularly limited to the morning of the medical care, no result on long term memory. we don't be attentive to precisely why it fairly works, yet we additionally don't be attentive to precisely why psych meds artwork the two. that's often utilized for 10-12 situations spaced a minimum of two days aside: approximately 3 each and every week. it is finished on an out-affected person foundation as nicely. regularly there's a desire for annual stick to-up, with fewer treatments given. ECT is safer, interior the elderly, than psych meds. it is the 1st decision for some persons, exceptionally elderly persons and medicines-resistant persons. some human beings have very substantial recoveries from ECT. that's one greater gadget to be utilized in significant psychiatric circumstances. that's lots greater ordinary than human beings understand.

Answer 5

yes it is still used, and at times is an effective treatment, yet that is definitely not true in all cases, it was used much more when scientists didn't understand the chemical workings of the brain as well, and now it is generally considered outdated, and is usually used as a last resort, as therapists, and doctors prefer to use more chemically based alternatives (pills) which either inhibit or enhance neurotransmitters (the chemicals in your brain)

Answer 6

Yes it is still used but not very often these days (Thank goodness!). It is barbaric, I have seen it done a couple of times in my nursing career and hated it. I have not had iot and would never agree to it being done on me. The effects are variable and not that great overall...;

Answer 7

The voltage they use these days is very very small. It is still used, particularly in extreme cases of depression.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroconvulsive_therapy

Answer 8

Yes, it is still used. Mostly in Residential Mental Hospital (ex. depaul-tulane in N.O) and you can only do it voluntarily

Answer 9

Lobotomies and partial birth abortions are effective. We just don't need them. The electron shock is a good way to burn brain cells. Usually it is done with lack of oxygen.