Re: ECT

Posted By HFHS M.D.-TB on April 17, 1999 at 20:22:46
Topic Area: Mental Health (other)
I am writing a research paper about electroshock therapy.  I have found
many people who support it as a treatment, however, there are many
who swear that it is a barbaric and serve no long term benifits.  
How can induced seizures be safe and harmless?  Is this treatment
more commonly used for longterm illness of the mind?  Does the FDA
approve of this method of treatment?  How much does this procedure cost?
What are your personal opinions on this controversial topic?  Thank
you very much!        




Dear Mogie,
ECT is one of the most effective and safest available treatments for depression.  It has also been found to be beneficial in conditions such as mania and catatonia.  Regarding the safety of the procedure, it is typically administered by a team consisting of a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist or anesthetist and a nursing assistant.  Certain medications are given to prevent heart arrhythmias.  The mortality rate is low at .002% per treatment and most side effects are transient and benign.
ECT is considered when medications fail, are not tolerated or may be dangerous(such as in a pregnant woman).  It can be used as a first-line treatment for severe depression with a need for rapid response.
The cost of ECT can vary from approximately $550-$1200 per treatment, depending on the length of time in recovery.  Regarding my own opinion of ECT, in my clinical experience I have seen many patients improve with the procedure and consider it a very useful treatment.
I hope you have found this information helpful.  It is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a physician.

[Debi__0__0]

Posted By Debi on April 24, 1999 at 19:29:19
I have read your question on ECT and though I am not a doctor I have had ECT treatments myself. If you want the opinion of someone who has been there - it saved my life - literally. It is not barbaric and though it is terrifynig, the way I was feeling was even more terrifying. The worst side effect for me was memory problems. I do think ECT treatments are misunderstood. I hope your research shows it is a treatment worth providing

[Cal-G]

Posted By Cal G. on May 09, 1999 at 14:39:51
ECT is electrical closed-head injury. It wipes out memory and the capacity of the person to FEEL, period. No study has shown any relief from depression to last 4-6 weeks. Any long-term cognitive damage possible with other forms of electrical injury or traumatic brain injury is possible with ECT. In surveys, a MAJORITY of those who have had ECT say given the choice again, they would choose NOT to have it.

[Cal-G]

Posted By Cal G. on May 09, 1999 at 14:45:42
I meant no study has shown relief from depression or other so-called mental illness, caused by the distraction of an organic brain syndrome produced by electricity to last LONGER than 4-6 weeks. If you are doing a research paper on this, I advise you to read the orgiginal studies and not reviews of studies, which the pro-ECT camp tends to twist with their own bias. A good balanced website is www.ect.org.










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