| Shock treatments have been used for a long | | | | delivered along the Vagus nerve that runs |
| time in the treatment of severe cases of | | | | from the neck to the brain. It is thought |
| Depression. There is an ongoing controversy | | | | that this nerve may have a part in |
| surrounding the methodology of the treatment | | | | controlling Depression. The purpose of this |
| and the after effects of the procedure over | | | | procedure is to stimulate the nerve and |
| time. ECT- Electroconvulsive Therapy is also | | | | provides some relief of depressive symptoms. |
| known as "shock" therapy. We will take a look | | | | |
| at the procedure itself and how it is | | | | Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an |
| performed. We will also discuss the after | | | | experimental procedure but many hospitals and |
| effects of the procedure. Finally we will | | | | clinics do offer the treatment. The doctor |
| discuss a few options that are available for | | | | holds a magnetic coil that has electrical |
| treatment of Depression. Shock treatments for | | | | pulses passing through it. This coil is |
| Depression are still used but rarely now. | | | | passed over the scalp and the pulse actually |
| | | | goes through the skull and stimulates the |
| The Procedure | | | | brain's nerve cells. Though this is |
| | | | experimental it has the potential of becoming |
| Prior to the procedure a general anesthetic | | | | a very precise treatment. |
| and a muscle relaxer are administered. | | | | |
| Electrodes are place on the head and | | | | Herbal Supplementation has been a practice |
| well-controlled electrical pulses are | | | | that ancient tribes and Shaman have used |
| emitted. If this procedure is done correctly | | | | through the centuries in tribal rituals as |
| a seizure will take place. During a seizure | | | | well as in healing. In treating Depression, |
| muscles tend to stiffen, but because the | | | | specific herbs are known to positively affect |
| patient has been given something to relax the | | | | your mood and are blended in a formula and |
| muscles movement is only seen in the hands | | | | administered most typically in capsulated |
| and feet. The patient wakes up in minutes | | | | form. High quality supplements will have |
| after the procedure. | | | | gone through a rigorous process of approval. |
| | | | The metabolic path of the ingredients is |
| Side Effects | | | | studied at the molecular level in the best |
| | | | supplements and the interactions of the |
| When the patient does awaken they will be | | | | ingredients are studied as well. |
| somewhat confused. The patient will also have | | | | |
| no memory of the procedure or events | | | | Conclusion |
| surrounding the procedure. The procedure can | | | | |
| be prescribed from once a month to once every | | | | Shock treatments for Depression |
| three months. | | | | (Electroconvulsive Therapy-ECT) are rarely |
| | | | used any more and have a series of side |
| There are side effects that can occur with | | | | effects after multiple treatments. Vagal |
| multiple shock treatments. Memory loss and | | | | Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is an invasive |
| movement disorders can result from the | | | | procedure and a device similar to a |
| procedure. There may also be seizure activity | | | | pace-maker is placed in the chest and |
| from these treatments. | | | | electrical pulses are delivered along the |
| | | | Vagus nerve to stimulate the brain. Herbal |
| Alternative Treatments to Shock Treatments | | | | supplements are or may be an option in lieu |
| for Depression | | | | of prescriptive medications. Investigations |
| | | | still need to be done on how effective herbal |
| Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is done where a | | | | treatments might be in treating severe cases |
| very small pace-maker like device is placed | | | | of Depression. |
| in the chest. Regular electrical pulses are | | | | |