The machine to perform ECT
PHOTO : SOGGYBREAD only on the narrow body of research that measures the differences between ECT and placebo because other types of clinical trials back up the efficacy of the procedure . For instance , studies comparing ECT with medications show that the procedure is more effective than the best antidepressants , a mainstay of treatment for the psychological condition .
“ There ’ s good research to show that twice as many people with treatment-resistant depression respond to ECT compared to the best pharmacological treatment ,” he said .
While he concedes the efficacy of ECT doesn ’ t last for a long time , he argues the procedure can still play a crucial role in combination with other treatments .
“ If you give patients one course of ECT and then no treatment at all , the majority of patients will become unwell again within a six-month period . That ’ s why it ’ s important to give medications after ECT to prevent patients from getting unwell again .”
In his view , ECT helps patients improve to the point where their condition can be treated using medication and talking therapies . And the minority of patients who relapse even on the best medications can keep receiving ECT on a regular basis since maintenance ECT is both safe and effective .
Dr Read , however , highlights that the studies comparing ECT with other treatments like antidepressants “ rarely include a placebo group [ for comparison ] so the improvement of both the ECT and antidepressant groups can be entirely placebo effects .” He also believes the use of ECT followed by antidepressants makes no sense because the usual candidates for ECT are those who don ’ t benefit from medications .
Such opposing views on the therapy are also held by patients .
Kate MacDonald believes ECT saved her life . She had severe depression that was making her unresponsive and paranoid until a few sessions of ECT gave her a new lease on life . “ I could carry on a conversation again . I had some light in my eyes ,” she told STAT .
Andrew Mayers saw his brother coming to life again after undergoing ECT for severe depression . “ The addiction to discomfort eating , which brought only self-hatred , was ousted by a renewed passion for cycling . The old Stephen was reborn ” he wrote in the Guardian . “ The procedure had given him four precious years of vitality ” before “ his depression raged out of control .”
On the opposite side of the spectrum are the patients claiming ECT gave them devastating side effects . Indeed , dozens of them suffering from cognitive impairment and memory loss have sued the UK National Health Service for damages , alleging that they weren ’ t properly informed about the risks involved in the procedure , reported the Mail Online .
So what are the risks ? The procedure is done under general anaesthesia to make sure patients are unaware and don ’ t feel any pain , while a muscle relaxant prevents injury by
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com NOVEMBER 2020
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