Posted by linkadge on June 29, 2008, at 15:26:30
In reply to Re: ECT...I am scared to death » linkadge, posted by IAMtheWalrus on June 28, 2008, at 11:59:27
I personally don't think ECT is the most effective treatment for depression.
The statistics that suggest this are based on very short term results, i.e. measurments taken quickly after treatments cease. While patients may respond more quickly to ECT than other treatments, there is little data to suggest that ECT is more effective then chemical antidepressants in the long run. In this light, I would definately not consider ECT to be more effective than chemical antidepressants.
Long term effectiveness is really what matters. If all you want is a quick, short term, brain damaging boost, then sure ECT looks great. But, if you want to get better and stay better, then the stats on ECT aren't in your favor.
In a few years I hope to see a more comprehensive presentation of the data on ECT. Some recent studies have indeed already adressed ECT's lack of abilility to keep patients well. They have also adressed the fact that older statistics on ECT's effectiveness and side effect profile are indeed incorrect.
I would hate for somebody to decide to undergoe the procedure under the framework of older, false and misleading information regarding ECT.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:836941
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080626/msgs/837161.html