http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Science/2008/01/13/shock_therapy_making_a_comeback/9712/Shock therapy making a comeback
Published: Jan. 13, 2008 at 11:45 PM
RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Electroshock therapy is coming back into favor as a treatment for depression in the United States.
In the last 25 years, the number of U.S. patients undergoing the treatment -- formally known as electroconvulsive therapy -- has tripled to about 100,000, The Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer reported Sunday.
The treatment faces a stigma, the newspaper said. Some view it as a form of torture, while others argue it causes permanent mental damage.
The American Psychiatric Association last month agreed to a new examination of literature on the practice.
Even among doctors who use it, there is disagreement about its effects, the newspaper said. Some feel it causes almost no problems, while others feel it can cause problems, but they are outweighed by the good done in some patients.
Both doctors and patients who use it say it is the only treatment that works for some suffering from severe depression.
"It's becoming a treatment of next resort instead of a treatment of last resort," said Dr. Michael A. Hill, a psychiatrist at University of North Carolina Hospitals, who administers the therapy.
Electroshock therapy, also known as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), is a psychiatric treatment that involves passing an electrical current through the brain to induce a controlled seizure. It is coming back with a vengeance because recent studies have shown that it can be an effective treatment for certain mental illnesses, such as severe depression, that are not responding well to other forms of treatment.
Yes, electroshock therapy is considered safe when performed by trained professionals in a medical setting. The risks and potential side effects, such as temporary memory loss and headaches, are generally minimal and can be managed with proper precautions.
The exact mechanism of action of electroshock therapy is not fully understood. It is believed that the electrical current stimulates certain areas of the brain, leading to changes in neurotransmitter levels and improved symptoms of mental illness.
Electroshock therapy may be recommended for individuals who have severe or treatment-resistant mental illnesses, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. It may also be considered for those who cannot tolerate or do not respond well to other forms of treatment.
Yes, there are various alternative treatments for mental illness, including medication, psychotherapy, and other brain stimulation therapies, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). It is important to discuss with a medical professional to determine the best treatment approach for each individual.