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stevie667 · 06-04-2007, 01:27 AM

Just a little side note, but all in the name of information.

ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) is where a small electrical charge of 70-150 volts is pulsed through (usually) one or possible both of the brains hemispheres under general aenesthesia and with a muscle relaxant. It's not exactly known how it works, but if often can aleviate the symptoms of mental abnormalities when used for a short treatment phase (say 2-3 weeks) then followed up with drugs.

Over here (UK) ECT is very rarely used for SZ anymore, but it is used for the most severe cases for depression which do not respond to other therapies. I figured i'd give a little bit of info because i though it was interesting that the aussies use it more apparently.

It will cause retrograde amnesia (forgetting stuff that has already happened) for a short while before the procedure.

Drugs can have all kinds of strange effects, sometimes suppressing the overt symptoms at expensive of other things, say coherent speech. That is a factor to take into account.

06-04-2007, 01:27 AM	#4 (permalink)
stevie667 Too Awesome for Aardvarks Location: Angloland	Just a little side note, but all in the name of information. ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) is where a small electrical charge of 70-150 volts is pulsed through (usually) one or possible both of the brains hemispheres under general aenesthesia and with a muscle relaxant. It's not exactly known how it works, but if often can aleviate the symptoms of mental abnormalities when used for a short treatment phase (say 2-3 weeks) then followed up with drugs. Over here (UK) ECT is very rarely used for SZ anymore, but it is used for the most severe cases for depression which do not respond to other therapies. I figured i'd give a little bit of info because i though it was interesting that the aussies use it more apparently. It will cause retrograde amnesia (forgetting stuff that has already happened) for a short while before the procedure. Drugs can have all kinds of strange effects, sometimes suppressing the overt symptoms at expensive of other things, say coherent speech. That is a factor to take into account. __________________ Office hours have changed. Please call during office hours for more information.