No doubt electroconvulsive therapy has received bad image from the press due to the technique used in its treatment but it is outstanding to note that it still know that it has produced results in the treatment of severe depression. The administration of this treatments starts by putting the patient to sleep with the use of succinycholine (Succinylcholine is a short-acting depolarizing muscle relaxant that is used for intubations) to temporary weaken the patient’s muscles to prevent complications. Then an electrode will be placed on the non dominant side of the brain while the other is placed on the forehead.
An electric current is then passed through the brain that causes a little seizure. While relaxed under the influence of succinylchoine, he is totally refreshed, breaths fresher air through the aid of oxygen mask while the electrocardiogram monitors his heart beat. The treatment can be taken 3 times a week or more. A study carried out by Diana Rose, senior researcher at the Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Health Services Research Department, United Kingdom published in The Royal College of Psychiatrists had stated that more than eight out of 10 depressed patients who receive electroconvulsive therapy respond well.
This show the effectiveness of this form of treatment In conclusion, not all patients that were treated with this therapy suffered from memory loss as claimed by some activist against this form of treatment.
Reference:
• Fink, M. Electroshock: Restoring The Mind (1999), Oxford University Press • The British Medical Journal, 2003, BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. PMCID: PMC162130 • Rutgers University webpage Shock Therapy: A History of Electroconvulsive Treatment in Mental Illness. Rutgers University Press