ELECTROCONVULSIVETHERAPY

ECT

What is electroconvulsive therapy?

HISTORY

• Early Greek & Roman times

•Austrian Leo Alexander

–Key proponent in U.S.

•German Lothar Kalinowsky

–Introduced to France, Holland, England, U.S.

•Italians Ugo Cerletti & Lucino Bini

Controversy

• Electroshock & insulin shock

• Broken bones & fractured spines

• Quick, clean & lucrative

–Argument for: “the reduction of intelligence is an important factor in the curative process”

-Argument against: “definite ‘organic’change in memory which does not entirely clear up…”

–Used muscle relaxants & anesthesia

–For the psychiatrist

Since the 1970s

• Citizens Commission on Human Rights

* Use on children under 12

* ECT without patient consent - CA (and other states) passed bill prohibiting

• Bill became model for mental health law reform around the world

• Many work for electroshock to be outlawed

FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Get into groups (11) & answer questions 1-5• Number 1-11• Split into number groups and answer questions for

your part of the article (NOTE ANY WORDS YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT)

• Get back into group of 9 and share answers• Make sure to answer #32• Back to original seat for discussion

What is electroconvulsive therapy?