Severe forms of depression in adults can be treated by Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). This medical procedure is used since 1930s to treat depression successfully. It is commonly known as electric shock therapy. However, ECT has a very negative reputation created by Hollywood movies and fictional books. This medical procedure involves brief yet strong electrical currents over the brain/skull of an anesthetized patient.
This procedure is carefully administered by specialized doctors. After 15 seconds to 1 minute of the session a seizure is induced on the patient’s brain or skull. This is very effective for the patients who become unresponsive to drugs. Many people suffering from severe depression have been treated and lead a good quality life. By increasing the sensitivity of serotonin ECT triggers an increased release of gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate.
Then it reduces the frequency of the brain waves, which is observed during sleep. This causes significant decreased level of depression. The major side effect of this medical procedure is memory loss. It has been reported that patients tend to be confused or lost for 20 to 60 but it is recovered. In some cases there can be a memory loss of over a period of weeks or months.
|
Lithium Antidepressant Information
