Electric Shock Treatment for the Mentally Depressed
-
How it Works
-
One of the arguments against EST is the fact that doctors do not know how or why the procedure works.
Effectiveness
-
Although doctors are not sure how electric shock treatment works, Britain's Royal College of Psychiatrists claim that the procedure does cure depression 80 percent of the time.
Training
-
Very few doctors are trained on the proper administration of EST. If you are considering the procedure, make sure that you thoroughly check your doctor's qualifications.
Side Effects
-
Electric shock therapy can cause headache, nausea, sore muscles, temporary confusion and memory loss. Memory loss is usually very short-lived, but there are some EST patients who claim their memory loss was permanent.
Potential
-
One theory of EST claims the procedure works by stimulating the growth of brain cells in a part of the brain called the hippocampus that controls memory and emotions. If this theory is correct, it implies that electric shock therapy may one day be used to treat other disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
-
Mental Illness Treatments - Related Articles
- Electric Shock Treatment for Depression
- Involuntary Drug Treatment for the Mentally Ill
- The Effects of Treatment for Dementia
- Mental Health Treatment for the Deaf
- Medication for the Treatment of Anxiety & Depression
- Residential Treatment for Mentally Retarded Children
- What Are the Treatments for Electric Shocks?