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Electroconvulsive therapy (sometimes called "shock therapy" or "electroshock"; ECT for short) is a very controversial treatment. In its earlier form, its side effects included gross muscular convulsions, sometimes even leading to broken bones, together with sometimes severe memory losses. ECT as administered today is accompanied by a short-term anesthetic and a temporary muscle relaxant. Together they eliminate most unpleasantness and motor convulsion. This reduces considerably the impressive side effects of the past. However, it is not yet clear whether other side effects, such as severe memory loss, have been sufficiently eliminated. Still, ECT is a very successful treatment for severe depression. It effectively reduces symptoms of depression in up to 80% of patients. Therefore, when the depression is severe and other treatments have failed, some mental health professionals recommend ECT. Because of its controversial nature, most professionals, patients and their families favor other modalities as the first approach to treatment for chronic depression. Last updated 12/19/03 |
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