What are your views on ECT? The Telegraph has published an article today from someone who is clearly very much a fan, claiming it can save lives in cases of severe depression.
I must admit I don't know enough about all the scientific trials to know what the current consensus on ECT is but I know there are people who have real problems with its use. I'd be interested in people's thoughts.
ClinPsych also has a post about some research into SSRIs and sexual dysfunction - not happy reading.
ClinPsych also has a post about some research into SSRIs and sexual dysfunction - not happy reading.
Comments (5)
Try my blog for some information about ECT, side effects, video's etc.
Regards Dr Shock
Posted by Dr Shock | May 19, 2008 8:08 PM
Posted on May 19, 2008 20:08
Whilst studying psychology in an access course for entry to university, I remember a fellow student who recounted her tale of ECT. This was horrific. After her mother had committed suicide, she developed anorexia. Physicians persuaded her father to have her committed. When she was committed she entered into a world of hell. She was in a ward with people she dared not look at or they would attack her. This poor lady was also forced into having ECT. Eventually she was released and now lives a 'normal' life but it took a lot of work to do this. The ECT was not helpful at all in this case. However, later in my degree I read many cases of people who are so deep into a clinical depression who have mentally shut down. Who do not respond to anything. Evidence from these cases showed that ECT did work in some cases. Therefore I would say that if it is used there must be safeguards in place to make sure it is not used 'routinely'.
Posted by Sue McManus | May 21, 2008 10:12 AM
Posted on May 21, 2008 10:12
Hi thanks for your comments Sue - and I will check out your site Dr Shock. I might get some discussion going on CareSpace about ECT
Posted by Simeon Brody
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May 21, 2008 10:36 AM
Posted on May 21, 2008 10:36
I think ECT is a barbaric practice which should be banned in this day and age. Most mental health usesrs see no value in it. It is a substitute for taking the time and care to create the safety and warmth needed before a patient (or rather a human being) will open up and talk about the trauma they have been through and why they are feeling so depressed. We have much knowledge now of talking therapies, group therapies and many different ways to reach people which repects people rather than abuses them (ECT is an abuse) which could be used should the will be there. I am a professional social worker with 16 years expreince. I had a history of "mental illness", which was largley due to child abuse in my past. The best cure for me was homeopathy and psychotherapy. I am now stronger, more open minded, grounded and possibly happier than many people around me.
Posted by Pauline Bradley | May 21, 2008 11:18 AM
Posted on May 21, 2008 11:18
Hi Pauline, thanks for your comment - I think I agree with you. I thought the Telegraph article seemed overly positive
Posted by Simeon Brody
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May 21, 2008 11:52 AM
Posted on May 21, 2008 11:52