The Use of Shock Treatments for Depression

Shock treatments have been used for a long time innerve that runs from the neck to the brain. It is thought
the treatment of severe cases of Depression. Therethat this nerve may have a part in controlling
is an ongoing controversy surrounding theDepression. The purpose of this procedure is to
methodology of the treatment and the after effects ofstimulate the nerve and provides some relief of
the procedure over time. ECT- Electroconvulsivedepressive symptoms.
Therapy is also known as "shock" therapy. We willTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an
take a look at the procedure itself and how it isexperimental procedure but many hospitals and clinics
performed. We will also discuss the after effects ofdo offer the treatment. The doctor holds a magnetic
the procedure. Finally we will discuss a few optionscoil that has electrical pulses passing through it. This coil
that are available for treatment of Depression. Shockis 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 ProcedureThough this is experimental it has the potential of
Prior to the procedure a general anesthetic and abecoming a very precise treatment.
muscle relaxer are administered. Electrodes are placeHerbal Supplementation has been a practice that
on the head and well-controlled electrical pulses areancient tribes and Shaman have used through the
emitted. If this procedure is done correctly a seizure willcenturies 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 toaffect your mood and are blended in a formula and
relax the muscles movement is only seen in the handsadministered most typically in capsulated form. High
and feet. The patient wakes up in minutes after thequality supplements will have gone through a rigorous
procedure.process of approval. The metabolic path of the
Side Effectsingredients is studied at the molecular level in the best
When the patient does awaken they will besupplements and the interactions of the ingredients are
somewhat confused. The patient will also have nostudied as well.
memory of the procedure or events surrounding theConclusion
procedure. The procedure can be prescribed fromShock 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 multipleseries of side effects after multiple treatments. Vagal
shock treatments. Memory loss and movementNerve Stimulation (VNS) is an invasive procedure and
disorders can result from the procedure. There maya 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 fornerve to stimulate the brain. Herbal supplements are or
Depressionmay be an option in lieu of prescriptive medications.
Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is done where a veryInvestigations 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 VagusDepression.