ABC Radio
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Electroconvulsive therapy — they still do that?
Electroconvulsive therapy — they still do that?
Electroconvulsive therapy — they still do that?
Saturday 28th August 2021
Explore the myths and realities of electroconvulsive therapy through personal stories and expert insights.
29 minutes
Informative
Honest
Eye-opening
Compassionate
Educational
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ABC Radio
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Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Get the buttons here!Unraveling Electroconvulsive Therapy: Myths and Realities
Episode Overview
- ECT is used for severe depression and psychosis.
- Modern ECT involves controlled procedures with anaesthesia.
- Memory loss is a significant side effect for some patients.
- Legal safeguards exist for involuntary ECT treatments.
- Patient experiences with ECT vary widely.
"ECT got me to the point where other treatments, like medication, could have a shot at working."
What drives someone to consider electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a treatment option? This episode of 'All In The Mind' peels back the layers on ECT, a therapy often shrouded in mystery and controversy. You'll hear from individuals like Karen Wells, who shares her journey from trauma and severe depression to finding a glimmer of hope through ECT. Despite significant memory loss, she believes the treatment was a turning point in her mental health journey.
Kylie Griffin, however, paints a different picture; she faced considerable memory issues without the desired relief from depression. Anita Link's experience with ECT was more positive, helping her manage bipolar disorder with minimal memory side effects. Dr.
Colleen Liu, a clinical psychiatrist, provides expert insights into how modern ECT is administered, debunking myths perpetuated by films like 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.' She explains how advancements like ultra-brief pulse ECT have reduced side effects, making the treatment safer and more effective. The episode doesn't shy away from the complexities surrounding ECT, including legal and ethical considerations, especially in cases of involuntary treatment.
It explores the delicate balance between potential benefits and risks, urging listeners to consider the individual nature of mental health treatments. Whether you're curious about the science behind ECT or want to understand its impact on patients' lives, this episode offers a comprehensive look at a misunderstood therapy. It challenges preconceptions and invites reflection on the evolving landscape of mental health treatments. Could ECT be a viable option for those at their wit's end?