How do you feel about EST coming back to "help" depression?

Question

>Electro shock therapy is used to shock the brain and induce seizures to help illness.

Answer

I have had ECT. It is not something they just throw at people for the fun of it. I decided to try it after 6 years of medication and therapy failures left me even more depressed and suicidal then I had been to begin with. It worked where nothing else did. It's not the horror they show it in the movies.... It's also not without some side effects.

Answer

If there's evidence that it works and patients consent to it then I don't have a problem with it. A big problem with how it was used in the past was that patients didn't consent and it was often done against their will.

Answer

It's effective and it never went away. It's been a mainstay for people with severe and otherwise incurable mental illness. It's a drastic measure saved as a last resort, but today's patients are given the choice to consent. That largest polarizing factor in the past, like another poster mentioned, was the lack of consent.

I've watched a few documentaries and studied it as a psychology major. I've heard testimony from those who have opted for it and I do believe that it should remain an option. By the time people hit the point of ECT, they're frequently at the end of their rope and desperate for help. Many may be suicidal or approaching it. Though it does present risk, it can also be lifesaving.

Answer

It's clinically proven to work. It's usually used as a last resort and it's definitely much improved. Patients are usually partially sedated when they undergo it these days. Depression can be debilitating, I wouldn't say no to any treatment that has the science to back it up.

Answer

Nope. My mother had it and was alright. My step mom had it and was destroyed. My MIL had it and didn't even know who her kids where. Hell no

Answer

I have a friend who does electro shock. It's exhausting for her, and screws with her memory. 
I'm not sure how much it's helped her, honestly. 
I'm not sure it's something I would do... I'm not sure how effective it is... But I do think it's much improved since the olden days.

Answer

If my doctor (any doctors really) or therapist suggested it, I would be like "Nope finding a doctor who's is gonna listen to what I am saying!" End of story.

My current treatment plan works for me and that is what matters. If it works for someone else, great. But what is the long term damage done? (If any)

Answer

It's scary, but there is substantial research on the things it can be helpful in treating. It's also much better regulated now, and nowhere near the dangerous voltage of times past. I would do everything else possible before EST, but if I got a second opinion and they suggested it as well, then I might try it for a time.

Answer

Where did it go?
I know of some doctors that do it. Not many but there are...

Answer

It's not something they try on just anyone. It has to be for severe mental health issues, that don't respond to drugs. It's also a lot different now, and they do sedate the patient first.

How do you feel about EST coming back to "help" depression?

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