Electro Convulsive Therapy
Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) began in the 1930’s after it was noticed that when cows are executed by electric shocks they appear to convulse as if they are having an epileptic shock.
The idea was extrapolated to humans as a treatment for schizophrenia on the theoretical basis that nobody can have schizophrenia and epilepsy together, so if epilepsy is induced by electric shock the schizophrenic symptoms will be forced into submission! Bizzare train of thought, but it did seem to work to a certain extent on some patients and to this day is used as a last resort for treating severe depression.
There are many critics of this extreme form of treatment, especially of its uncontrolled and unwarranted use in many large, under staffed mental institutions where it may be used simply to make patients docile and manageable or as a punishment (Breggin 1979).
Side effects include impaired language and memory as well as loss of self esteem due to not being able to remember important personal facts or perform routine tasks.
The procedure for administering ECT involves giving a muscle relaxant (to minimise the violent physical reactions) followed by an anaesthetic and topped with a 80-110 volt electric shock through electrodes placed on the temples which produces an artificial Grand Mal epileptic fit (loss of consciousness and strong bodily convulsions followed by a period of coma like sleep).
There is a debate on the ethics of using ECT, primarily because it often takes place without the consent of the individual and we don’t know how it works!
There are three theories as to how ECT may work:- The shock literally shocks the person out of their illness as it is regarded as a punishment for the inappropriate behaviour.
- Biochemical changes take place in the brain following the shocks which stimulate particular neurotransmitters.
- The associated memory loss following shock allows the person to start afresh. They literally forget they were depressed or suffering from schizophrenia.
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