Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the oldest treatments in psychiatry, first introduced in Rome 80 years ago, when Hugo Seletti and Lucio Bini Use of electrical current to induce seizures for therapeutic purposes[1].

When was ECT started?

A safe and effective treatment represents a huge breakthrough in a field whose slow progress once prompted Cerletti to call it « the science of funerals. »News of the technology quickly spread throughout Europe and North America, where ECT was first adopted 1940.

When was ECT introduced in the UK?

Although the idea of ​​inducing seizures for therapeutic reasons was first documented in 1785, it wasn’t until ECT was developed. 1930s. It was then introduced to the UK and became popular in the 1960s and 1970s.

Why is ECT unethical?

ECT is not safe: It produces varying degrees of memory loss and other detrimental effects on cognition in nearly everyone who receives it, usually lasting weeks or months after the last treatment (and many other detrimental consequences, ranging from ocular effects to post-onset mental illness).

Is ECT Cruel?

This treatment, sometimes referred to as « electric shock therapy, » is often misunderstood and incorrectly described by the mass media as a harsh, cruel treatment.Actually, it is a Perform painless medical procedures Under general anesthesia, this is considered one of the most effective treatments for major depression.

The Dangerous History of Electroconvulsive Therapy, and How It’s Used Today

23 related questions found

Can ECT Change Your Personality?

ECT does not change a person’s personality, nor is it intended to treat those with primary « personality disorders. » ECT can cause transient short-term memory or new learning impairments during ECT, usually completely reversed within one to four weeks after the acute course has ceased.

Is the UK still using ECT 2020?

But for a group of people with the most severe depression, ECT remains one of the last options when other treatments have failed.every year in the UK about 4,000 patientsof which John is one, still receiving ECT.

What is the success rate of ECT?

Typically, ECT (whether inpatient or outpatient) is performed 2 to 3 times a week, for a total of 6 to 12 times. Some patients may need more or less treatment.These courses can improve depression 70% to 90% of patientsthe response rate is much higher than that of antidepressants.

Still using ECT in 2020?

Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the top three treatments for depression, along with antidepressants and psychotherapy, It’s still considered a last resort for people with depression. This situation is partly due to limited and uncertain research on its mechanism.

What are the side effects of ECT?

The most common side effects of ECT on the day of treatment include nausea, headache, fatigue, confusionand mild memory loss, which may last from a few minutes to a few hours. These risks must be balanced against the consequences of serious mental illness not responding to treatment.

When was ECT first used to treat depression?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used to treat patients with certain types of mental illness, including severe depression, severe mania, and catatonia.it was originally in late 1930sthe first recorded treatment was performed at McLean Hospital in 1941.

When did they stop using shock therapy?

ECT use declines until 1980s« As people become more aware of its benefits and cost-effectiveness in the treatment of major depressive disorder, use is starting to increase ».

Does ECT worsen anxiety?

ECT may work for people with both depression and anxiety. Some psychiatrists are concerned that, while ECT may help relieve symptoms of depression, it may worsen anxiety symptomsincluding obsessions or panic attacks.

Will ECT Make You Worse?

Some people have a very bad experience with ECT, for example because they feeling worse after treatment or given without consent. You probably don’t want to risk side effects.

Who is a good candidate for ECT?

People who have had ECT and responded well A good candidate for ECT. Other first-line indications for the procedure include catatonia or people with a depression called psychotic depression (depression associated with delusions and hallucinations).

How long do ECT results last?

There is considerable variability in the trajectory, but the most common is a gradual improvement in symptoms and complete resolution within the first week within 3 to 4 weeks.

Will ECT go away?

Duration of improvement (how long the recovery lasts).the benefits of ECT may last for years Or they may disappear within a few weeks. After a series of ECT treatments, your doctor may prescribe medication to help prevent symptoms from returning.

What are the long-term side effects of ECT?

But some people experience more lasting or permanent memory loss, including losing personal memory or forgetting the information they need to continue their career or understand their personal relationships. Some people also find that they have difficulty remembering new information after receiving ECT.

How many ECT treatments are too many?

It is important to realize that a « course » of ECT requires a series of treatments 2-3 times per week until maximum improvement occurs.Most patients need 6 to 12 treatments in total.

When did you stop ECT treatment?

If you respond well to treatment, you do not need another ECT session. doctor if you have any serious side effects Treatment should be discontinued.

Is Shock Therapy Painful?

Freeman and RE Kendell from the University of Edinburgh found that 68% said the experience was no more frustrating than going to the dentist.For others, ECT is more unpleasant than dentistry, but No pain. Still, the treatment is not without its dangers.

Can ECT damage your brain?

These conditions were not met during ECT. Other findings suggest that the passage of electrical current, thermal effects, and transient disruption of the blood-brain barrier during ECS ​​do not lead to structural brain damage. in conclusion: No solid evidence that ECT causes structural brain damage.

What if ECT doesn’t work?

If no other methods are helping, including ECT, and you remain severely depressed, you may be offered Neurosurgery for Mental Disorders (NMD)Deep brain stimulation (DBS) or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

Does ECT lower IQ?

However, previous patients have testified publicly that ECT can cause a significant (>30) permanent drop in IQ score (Food and Drug Administration, 1982; Andre, 2001; Cotter, 2005: p. 5) and documented these claims through extensive neuropsychological assessment.

Does ECT reset the brain?

ECT is called « The reset button of the brain, » which could not only directly improve depressive symptoms, but also allow current medications to work more effectively.