Should Electro-convulsive Therapy (ECT) be used in the treatment of mental disorders?

Electro-convulsive Therapy (ECT):

• It is used to alleviate sudden and severe depression.

• In this method one electrode is placed on each side of the person's temples and a mild current is turned on for a very short period.

• In the beginning, it was done by injecting metrazol and other drugs in mental patients. These shocks are continued until the patient has a seizure, a muscle contraction of the entire body, lasting at least twenty to twenty-five seconds. ECT seems to work at least for some disorders.

• Unfortunately, there are hazardous risk connected with it. There is amnesia for the whole treatment and after several treatments. There is memory impairment, which may last for several weeks. However, no permanent loss of memory occurs. ECT use has declined since 1950.

• ECT is still used in various hospitals in India because it is economical and effective. In my opinion as a last resort this therapy should continue to be used in India.

Drug Therapy:

• It has been used mainly with four types of disorders—schizophrenia, mania, depression and anxiety.

• These drugs are referred as 'psychotropic drugs' because their main effect is on psychological behaviour.

• They are also called as 'antipsychotic drugs'.

• They are used for the treatment of schizophrenia. 'Antimanic drugs' are used to treat patients who are highly agitated, excited and at times unmanageable. 'Antidepressant drugs' are used for patients having depression and suicidal risk. 'Antianxiety drugs' are known to be minor tranquillisers.