Posted by Cam W. on February 15, 2001, at 17:05:04
In reply to Is electroshock therapy a viable alternative??, posted by JohnM on February 15, 2001, at 16:14:08
John - Personally, I believe that ECT is the best antidepressant that is available. Today's treatments are far removed from the "one Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Days". It is the treatment of choice in pregnant women and the old-old ( >70yrs) by many psychiatrists.
As for psychiatrists, those trained in the 1970s seem to have more of a bias against it than those trained in other eras. I am not totally sure why this is, but I read a study stating this, a couple of years ago.
I would have ECT done if I had refractory depression, but others on this site do not like it. Therefore, this is something to seriously discuss with your doctor.
It does involve a series of treatments, with periodic follow-up treatments to maintain euthymia, but again, I'd do it (not that this really means anything).
Hope this helps - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:54077
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010212/msgs/54079.html