ECT Treatment
Hello All-
This is probably the furthest away from ACT as I can ask but here I go.
I would like to get your input/opinion on ECT. I've done a course review on the web and have found split reviews over its use.
A little back ground:
My friends mother has dealt with sever depression most of her adult life. The last six months, after recovering from a medical condition (that required surgery), her depression took on its full proportion; she doesn't leave her room/bed (~1-month). Prior to her medical condition she was functioning on a normal scale; i.e. going on walks with friends, volunteer work.
Since, she has enrolled herself into a mental health hospital and after 2-weeks they suggested the possibility of ECT treatment to help with her condition. The meds. that she has been on recently haven't seemed to help although in the past they did allow her to function.
What I've read:
ECT is used to lessen sever depression when meds. are not working or are dangerous to use. Also, used on patients that are severely depressed and contemplating suicide. It has been shown to have a positive effect on lessening depression, but the length of recovering isn't given. It is really not understood why ECT works but there is a study that suggest an increase in the neurotransmitters(serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine). Unfortunately, I haven't come across any real scientific data describing an experiment with control groups and the likes.
Any input on this would be greatly appreciated. I'm solely trying to gather some non-bias opinions so as to pass on the info. to my friend.
I did suggest he talk to a clinician not affiliated to this hospital.
Lastly, if this question is too far off base I appologize, please let me know and I'll curtail future questions.
Sincerely,
Ricky
BA -Psychology
Applying to MS-program at SJSU F'06.
An ACT wannabe :-)
ECT
I think its hard to find total non-bias in this area as ECT generally elicits such strong feelings in mental health professionals. However, I'm pretty sure Peter Breggin, an American Psychiatrist and one who is very critical of his own profession has a section on his website. if you google his name it should come up. I find him an interesting one as most psychiatric reviews of ECT are favourable, with any questionning of the established wisom being frowned upon. Its usually 'poorly informed therapists or lefty liberal psychologists' who dismiss ECT. But as Breggin is an M.D, he is slightly different. I think his site is Breggin.com if you have not checked it out. But bear in mind he is strongly in the ANTI camp.
ECT
I've seen it work (occasionally) very well...I mean the person can definitely start functioning again for a period. Depends how long [ maybe six months, maybe a year, and then, often the person is back to where he/she started.) It seems to work best on those who strongly believe that it will work for them. Even those people tend to complain bitterly about loss of memory which can be pretty severe. I saw one woman who wanted to try it so badly; she was so vegetatively depressed - never ate, "I'm just a speck." It's not done at the hospital where I work so she was sent elsewhere. Anyway, she had however many treatments (I'm not sure, but they do plenty) over a couple weeks, became incredibly manic and hasn't come down since. Seriously...and this is at least 5 years ago. So it totally depends. But I wouldn't do it; I'll tell you that!
Susi RN, CYT