ECT

[roxie_09]

I am studying mental health nursing at uni at the moment, and one of the treatments that is offered (as last resort) is ect (electro-compulsive therapy), i was just wondering if anybody had any particular views on the subject x

[steg]

yea, it is shocking

[roxie_09]

;-)

[anneasquith]

during my general nurse training, we spent 3 months in a psychiatric hospital, and ECT was used very regularly for numerous illnesses. ( late 60^s early 70^s.

[venator]

Is that like electro conVulsive therapy, but without any choice?

[roxie_09]

it is used less regularly now, treating very severe depression and a handful of related illness. Obviously things have changed since then, hopefully for the better, but did you see a benefit to the use of ect? x

[roxie_09]

no, sorry haha i mispelt it, teach me for typing while talking at the sam time haha it is electroconvulsive therapy haha x

[rowanwitch]

saw it used during my nurse training too seemed horribly barbaric but seemed to lift some of the worse cases enough for other treatments to be tried

[roxie_09]

when was that rowanwitch? did you see the procedure? x

[rowanwitch]

in the early 1990s we had to escort patients to the treatment room and watch.... they were sedated for the procedure with a short duration drug...but even back then treatment options were rather limited. and a lot of the current drugs were still on trial or not released at all

[roxie_09]

i've seen it done 3 times now, as ive just come off placement and was able to go and see it. I thought it was going to be a complete barbaric experience, especially as seeing things like this on tv and in films making it look very scary and ramatic. i found that it only lasted 30 seconds and was by no means an 'evil' treatment. i have seen some people who's lives have been completely transformed by the treatment x

[venator]

Roxie - have you come across magnetic brain therapy?

http://www.newscienti...s-us-green-light.html

It looks like a modern version of ect - could be interesting to compare?

[roxie_09]

I have just read the article and it does sound a lot like ect.. it would be interesting to see how this will be used, as when i qualify, this will undoubtedly be the new 'trend' in treatment. however, whereas the magnetic therapy consists of 5 40 minute treatments for 6 weeks, ect takes approx 30 seconds at most twice a week. But yes, sseeing how they compare to eachother will be interesting, so i think i will be watching the space :) x

[tinkerbell23]

training as a general nurse! omg- never heard of it lol...interesting xx

[anneasquith]

when i witnesses ECT no sedation was given :(

[Sqad]

Didn't see this thread.....have answered on your other one.....why post bloody twice?

[roxie_09]

sorry sqad, I posted on the other one, as i thought it was more appropriate after seeing some people asking why certain posts werent posted in the given sections, i thought i would be able to delete the first one, but now realise i cant :( sorry for the confusion x