Why electric shocks are given to mentally upset patients?

Answer 1

Historically, electro-convulsive shock therapy (ECT) had been used for a wide range of psychological disorders, namely schizophrenia and depression. Over the years, it gained a very negative, barbaric reputation because it involves people being strapped down to a table and electrically shocked.

Beginning in the mid-1900's, science began to bring newer and more "civilized" treatments for psychological disorders to the table. Therapy grew to be much more popular, as did medication.
ECT is now not used very often now as a treatment option.


Despite the barbaric connotation to ECT, it is much more effective than many people think. If one got past the fact that you are being strapped down and shocked, it isn't that bad. The patient is strapped down so that they cannot convulse and injure themselves. Then they are injected with an anesthetic so that they are unconscious, and an anti-convulsant to limit convulsions. They are then electrically shocked at a non-lethal dose. This is done twice a week for four weeks.


People may stop and consider this as a treatment option when they look at the facts. ECT produces a 60-70% remission rate for patients with depression (keep in mind this form of treatment has only been used as a last resort, so 60-70% is very impressive). It has also shown to be promising in fighting mania, and some other psychotic states. It has one side-effect, and that is memory. During the course of the treatment, memory is substantially effected. This is not lasting, and no memory will be lost during this time period. It is a serious side effect, but it does not interfere with the daily lives of the patients (in other words, if happiness depends on this treatment, it is not worth it to turn it down because of this side-effect). Pregnant woman should not be treated with ECT.


Again, ECT is usually only used as a last resort, like other unorthodox methods of treatment such as vagus nerve stimulation or brain surgery.

Answer 2

Research, albeit far from conclusive, has shown that electrical shocks to the brain help reduce depressive symptoms. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is still used today and is much more refined than when it first came out.