Electoconvulsive Therapy

Also known as ECT, I've noticed that there really isn't much publicity of the treatment due to the few stations that actually exist. Surprisingly, our local mental hospital still has an ECT in use. Of course, it's not used that often, pretty much only in the case of severe depression and typically only given in the case the patient gives consent.

So, what's the opinion here on it? Is it just the absolute worst thing to happen to a person since it is absolutely terrifying, or is it actually beneficial to those that wished to try it?

One of the most common arguments against ECT is memory loss. However, some people who have undergone ECT have argued that the loss is merely a price to pay in order to have relief from some of the worst depression to ever hit. Still, some others regard the memories they have lost as an absolute tragedy and feel even worse off. Now, these people are in their right to be pissed at mental health institutes if they were forced into ECT, but they should know the consequences of the therapy if they're willing at first.

For the record, I do give support to ECT, but only if the patient is willing and is of last resort.

I dunno. If they're suffering from severe depression, are they really giving informed, lucid consent? Should their families be the ones to decide? I dunno.

Then again, I'm not an expert on ECT at all, so I don't know how effective it is. I really don't like the idea of it, though.

I've never heard of it until now. Possibly if the person is willing to do it knowing about the memory loss.