When one hears the words "electroconvulsive therapy," perhaps disturbing images from the movie One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest with Jack Nicholson may spring to mind but in reality, thankfully, today ECT is absolutely nothing like how it has previously been portrayed in the movies. This article aims to explore the following key areas listed below:
- What is Electroconvulsive Therapy?
- How does it work?
- What are the key benefits of ECT?
What is Electroconvulsive Therapy?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has actually, in complete contrast to the way it is often portrayed in movies, nothing to do with being tortured and is not something in any way to be feared. ECT basically involves the patient receiving an electrical shock whilst under anaesthesia and is scientifically proven as a safe and effective form of treatment. It is specifically for use on patients who suffer from severe, treatment-resistant or unresponsive to medication, mood disorders. This is a treatment that although is still used by most psychiatrists is certainly not considered lightly but is recommended in the most severe of cases.
How does ECT Work?
ECT was first used when it was discovered that those suffering epileptic seizures were less prone to depression, although it is now recognised not to be the case. The patient is given an anaesthetic and muscle relaxants (used to stop the patient suffering from muscular spasms) and a small electrical current is given. Treatment usually consists of four to eight sessions and tends to be administered twice weekly. Each treatment is very short and the patient is only anaesthetised for around five minutes.
Key Benefits of ECT
The main benefits of using this form of treatment include the following: it provides both the quickest relief and highest success rate of all treatment for severe clinical depression; it is also life-saving for sufferers who have not responded to any other treatment and are seriously unwell, especially for example when a patient is so ill that they have stopped eating and drinking and are suffering serious health consequences as a result. For the most severely unwell, using ECT can mean the difference between someone spending months and months in a psychiatric ward/clinic or being able to be treated as a day-patient in a much shorter period of time.
Further information on electroconvulsive therapy can be found on the Royal College of Psychiatrists Website.
Sources:
Burton, N. (2008) Master Your Mind Oxford: Acheron Press
Cantopher, T. (2006) Depressive Illness: The Curse Of The Strong London: Sheldon Press
Lockley, J. (2003) A Practical Workbook For The Depressed Christian Milton Keynes: Authentic
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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