Posted by OldSchool on January 5, 2002, at 20:59:13
In reply to A Beautiful Mind, posted by bob on January 4, 2002, at 23:59:46
> I just saw the movie "A Beautiful Mind", and in it, there is a scene where it appears as if they are inducing convulsions in Nash with insulin injections. Is that an outdated treatment similar to ECT, or is it something else entirely that is still used today for Schizophrenia? My impression was that chemically induced convulsions when out with the advent of electrically induced ones.
Chemically induced convulsions called "insulin shock treatment" has been outlawed since at least the sixties. It was a barbaric psychiatric procedure that killed many patients. Any psychiatrist who tried to do it to a patient today would be put in prison and lose their medical license.
Electically induced convulsions (ECT) on the other hand has not gone out of style and has even made somewhat of a comeback in recent years. Its been refined a great deal and its among the most effective treatments for severe depression. ECT is sometimes used to treat refractory schizophrenia as well. Modern ECT is very safe and effective.
I must say that reality for paranoid schizophrenics is not always as great as is portrayed in this movie. Schizophrenics oftentimes do not end up well and its hard to treat. Many end up homeless, jobless and disabled due to their illness. More biologically based schizophrenia research is sorely needed.
Schizophrenia is the worst disease known to afflict mankind.
Old School
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thread:88793
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020103/msgs/88932.html