A Guarded Endorsement for Shock Therapy

Abstract

An increase in the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) after years\nof disfavor has led to calls for more research on all aspects of this\ncontroversial treatment. A recent consensus conference sponsored by the\nNational Institutes of Health produced cautious approval of ECT to treat\nsevere depression. After reviewing existing research data and listening to\ntestimony on ECT's effects, especially effects on memory, the panel\nrecommended that immediate research be done on methods and effects of ECT,\nthat ECT training be included in medical and psychiatric education, and that\nmore attention be paid to review and regulatory mechanisms. Holden speculates\nthat the persistent and fierce opposition to ECT reflects the schism within\npsychiatry between biological and psychodynamic treatment approaches, as well\nas the impact of public information gained largely from overly harrowing\nportrayals of ECT. (KIE abstract)