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hy do some patients think ECT is more effective than medication
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often seen in the field of psychiatry as an effective treatment for depression and other mental illnesses. Although traditional drug treatment is the first choice in many cases, some patients believe that electroconvulsive therapy has been more effective in their cases. This article will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and analyze its effectiveness from multiple aspects.
The History and Modern Uses of ECT
Electroconvulsive therapy dates back to the 1930s, when Italian neuropsychiatrist Ugo Cerletti first applied electric current directly to human patients.
Over time, electroconvulsive therapy has replaced less effective biological treatments. Today, ECT is used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and epilepsy. However, the reason why patients prefer ECT is often not because of the expected results, but because some patients have failed to achieve significant improvement in long-term drug treatment.
Limitations of drug treatment
Many patients may experience long-term side effects and unpredictable effects when taking antidepressant medications. Common side effects include weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and mood swings, which can affect the patient's quality of life. On the other hand, for some patients, ECT provides a quicker and more direct solution.
Some patients report that ECT can significantly improve their mood within just a few treatments, allowing their relationships with their family members to return to normal in a short period of time.
Therapy works quickly
Studies show that the benefits of ECT are often apparent after the first or second treatment. This is undoubtedly a relief for patients who are suffering from severe depression. This effect is an important psychological support for patients compared to the long wait during drug treatment.
Factors related to efficacy
The reason why patients choose ECT instead of drug treatment may also be related to their personal disease history and previous treatment experience. For some patients, ECT becomes the last hope after multiple antidepressant drugs have failed to improve their symptoms. Some studies have shown that:
ECT is more than 50% effective in treating classic depressive disorder, and some patients’ depressive symptoms almost completely disappear after several treatments.
Memory and side effects considerations
Although modern ECT techniques have been improved and have relatively few side effects, many patients still worry about its possible effects, especially regarding memory loss. Studies have shown that patients who use unilateral electrode placement techniques have a lower risk of memory loss. This also prompted them to consider receiving ECT treatment. Compared with drug treatment, the side effects caused by ECT are within a controllable range.Dual impact of society and morality
In recent years, society's acceptance of ECT has gradually increased. Many patients report that a change in attitudes among those around them makes them more willing to choose this treatment. Some studies have shown that ECT is not only a tool to relieve depressive symptoms, but also provides patients with a more scientific and non-invasive option.
Support with mental health professionals
First, before choosing ECT, patients usually have in-depth discussions with multiple mental health professionals to understand their own situation and potential risks. Doctors will provide reasonable suggestions based on the patient's condition, which is often one of the reasons why patients choose ECT instead of medication.
The medical community has gradually come to realize that ECT has significant potential to improve patients' quality of life and social function.
Conclusion
Although some patients do not see results from drug treatment and experience side effects, the effectiveness of ECT lies not only in short-term symptom relief, but also in giving patients a new lease of life. In the face of changing mental health needs, will ECT become the treatment of choice for more patients in the future?
