Disclaimer- This page is written by a Scientologist who goes by the nick of E.J. Though I host E.J.'s pages on my domain, bernie.cncfamily.com, to allow moderate Scientologists a way to express their views, it represents E.J.'s view only. I do not censor the page in any way nor do I necessarily endorse or agree with it, and reciprocally. Bernie.

ELECTRO-CONVULSIVE THERAPY:

Occasionally, comparisons to Psychology come up. Some critics like to put forward inaccurate information, downplaying the use of barbaric “therapies” like Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT). Here’s an example of one such discussion:

They like to make the claim that the widespread use of ECT has been abolished. They might be surprised to find that ECT is still in use today, despite their belief to the contrary.

And here are some pertinent facts regarding Electro-Convulsive Therapy from England's Department of Health:

In England during the period January to March 1999:

• • There were about 16,500 administrations of Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT)
• • 2,800 patients received ECT treatment.
• • There were 900 male patients receiving treatment, compared with 1,900 female patients.
• • 44% of female patients and 36% of male patients receiving ECT treatment were aged 65 and over.
• • 75% of ECT patients were not formally detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.
• • Of the 700 patients formally detained while receiving ECT treatment, 59% did not consent to treatment.

Some critics paint a pretty picture of the supposed 'mental heath' system of the present. And yet, as displayed in the data above, 419 patients who were formally detained in a three month span in England only, did *NOT* consent to this barbaric treatment.

"ECT is one of the front-line treatments used by psychiatrists to treat depression and other psychiatric problems. ECT is not old history; it is not something from the concentration camps; it is not an old horror story."

And here's a nice quote that should set the record straight fully on the current status of Electro Convulsive therapy:

"Yet ECT is fully endorsed by the psychiatric profession as well as the Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association, is used by the major hospitals, and many patients swear it has saved their lives. Long regarded as a treatment as a last resort - after all attempts at medications therapy have failed - more and more ECT is moving up to front-line status. According to a task force report issued by the American Psychiatric Association, depriving patients from early treatment could "prolong suffering, and may possibly contribute to treatment resistance.""

"Francis Mondimore MD, in his book, "Bipolar Disorder," asserts that: "ECT is perhaps the most effective treatment there is for severe depression and severe mania, and it often works more quickly than other medications.""

The basic procedure for ECT is:

An electric shock is applied to produce a convulsive seizure. The shock is typically between 140 - 170 volts and lasts between 0.5 and 1 seconds. A typical course of treatment consists of between 6 - 12 actual shocks, given over a period of 2-3 weeks. After treatment the patient is typically given a course of anti-depressants to reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Side effects of ECT?

The major side effects can be identified as: Retrograde amnesia. Impaired ability to form new memories. Sleep disturbances. Disorientation & confusion. By far the most serious of these are the memory deficits experienced by patients and the claim that ECT produces long term brain damage.

• Electro Convulsive Therapy - Use and Effects
• BanShock.org