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