Why is electroconvulsive therapy controversial?
The main source of continuing controversy concerns a possible adverse effect: memory loss. There is no question that ECT causes some memory loss, particularly of events near the time of the treatment. These memories often return, however.
What is wrong with electroconvulsive therapy?
The most common side effects of ECT on the day of treatment include nausea, headache, fatigue, confusion, and slight memory loss, which may last minutes to hours. These risks must be balanced with the consequences of ineffectively treated severe psychiatric disorders.
What is the most controversial therapy?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is perhaps the archetypal controversial treatment; although it is considered to be effective, the research supporting it is much less impressive than one would expect.
What film caused the public to have a negative perception of ECT?
This scene from the 1975 Academy Award–winning film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, starring Jack Nicholson as the rebellious patient, has probably shaped the general public’s perceptions of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) far more than any scientific description.
Is electroconvulsive therapy still used today?
ECT is much safer today. Although ECT may still cause some side effects, it now uses electric currents given in a controlled setting to achieve the most benefit with the fewest possible risks.
Why does ECT cause nausea?
Nausea following ECT is less common than headache but still occurs in up to 25% of patients. Nausea may be related to the anesthetic, to the ECT treatment itself, or to air in the stomach from assisted ventilation. It may occur in conjunction with, or independently from, headache.
What’s controversial therapy?
A therapy that is not part of current standard medical practice, which is used instead of conventional treatment.
What are the ethical concerns surrounding electroconvulsive therapy and psychosurgery?
The present practice of ECT meets standards for beneficence, non-maleficence, and autonomy. In many nations, however, the principle of justice is not respected, leading to unavailability of ECT, increased suffering and prolonged illness.
Why was electroconvulsive therapy used in the 1960s?
By the 1960s it was being widely used to treat a variety of conditions, notably severe depression. But as the old mental asylums closed down and aggressive physical interventions like lobotomies fell out of favour, so too did electroshock treatment, as ECT was previously known.
Is there a lot of controversy about ECT?
Almost all of the controversy about ECT is anecdotal opinion, unsupported by evidence. In fact, there is a remarkably wide gap between what anti-ECT activists claim and the very substantial body of clinical and scientific evidence supporting its efficacy and safety.
When to use electroconvulsive therapy ( ECT )?
ECT is generally recommended for people with severe depression (accom-panied by psychosis, suicidal intent, or refusal to eat), especially if it is resistantto medications. It is also used for mania that has not improved with medica-tions and for schizophrenia (when symptoms are severe or medications areinadequate).
Are there any electroconvulsive therapy for severe depression?
And brain stimulation treatments like tDCS, or transcranial direct-current stimulation, are getting a lot of press as well. But even though most psychiatrists now believe that ECT is an effective treatment for severe depression, it’s still the object of suspicion.