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    How Electroconvulsive Therapy Works

    enMay 14, 2013

    Podcast Summary

    • Exploring different perspectives through podcastsPodcasts offer diverse content and perspectives on various topics, from culture and trends to business news and deep-dive discussions.

      Podcasts offer a wide range of content to suit various interests and learning styles. The Bright Side, hosted by Danielle Robey and Simone Boyce on iHeart, brings daily conversations about culture, trends, and inspiration. On the other hand, The Big Take from Bloomberg News provides insightful business news and analysis to help listeners understand the global economy. Meanwhile, Stuff You Should Know, from the iHeart network, offers deep-dive discussions on various topics, from movies like "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" to everyday phenomena. During their conversation, the hosts shared their appreciation for the book and movie versions of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," with its exploration of electroconvulsive therapy and mental health institutions in the past. These podcasts, along with countless others, demonstrate the power of audio storytelling and the diverse perspectives it can bring to our lives. So, whether you're looking for a daily dose of optimism, business insights, or just want to learn something new, podcasts have got you covered.

    • A Controversial History of Electroconvulsive TherapyDespite its controversial past, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a recognized medical treatment for mental illnesses that involves inducing a seizure and convulsion with electricity.

      Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), a form of shock therapy, has a complex history. Once a common practice in rental institutions during the 1980s due to its temporary drug-free effect, ECT gained a negative reputation for its misuse and association with electrical shocks. However, modern medical institutions, including the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, and the U.S. Surgeon General, approve of ECT when used properly. Kitty Dukakis, wife of former presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, has publicly shared her positive experience with ECT in her book, "Shock: The Healing Powers of Electroconvulsive Therapy." Despite the controversy, ECT is a type of shock therapy that aims to induce a seizure and convulsion, which can temporarily or permanently cure mental illnesses. The therapeutic effect may be related to the cathartic release of emotions, but with electricity instead. The history of shock therapies and ECT is intriguing, with a long-standing belief that inducing a seizure can positively impact mental health.

    • Discovering the therapeutic effects of shock therapiesInsulin shock therapy and electroconvulsive therapy were used to treat mental illnesses during the 20th century. Though initially brutal, modern treatments involve anesthesia, muscle relaxants, and precise control over electrical currents to minimize side effects.

      During the 20th century, various shock therapies were used to treat mental illnesses, most notably insulin shock therapy and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Hungarian physician Ladislaus von Meduna discovered that insulin-induced comas and subsequent seizures could have a curative effect on mental illnesses. However, his theory that mental illnesses could not coexist was incorrect. Italian scientists later introduced ECT using electricity in the late 1930s, which became a common treatment in the US for conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder in the 1940s. Early applications of these therapies were brutal, with patients being fully conscious and experiencing violent physical reactions. Modern ECT treatments involve anesthesia, muscle relaxants, and precise control over the electrical current, reducing the severity of side effects.

    • Modern Electroconvulsive Therapy debunks misconceptionsModern ECT involves rigorous pre-treatment measures, ensuring suitability for patients and minimizing memory loss while improving mental health

      The portrayal of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in popular culture as rendering people into catatonic, lobotomized, or zombie-like states is a misconception. This caricature has been perpetuated through media and art, but in reality, modern ECT treatment involves extensive pre-treatment measures and careful consideration before administering the therapy. Patients undergo various tests, including blood tests, electrocardiograms, and mental evaluations, to ensure they are suitable candidates. The memory loss associated with ECT is a common concern, but it's essential to remember that the therapy's overall purpose is to improve mental health and well-being. The Bright Side podcast, hosted by Danielle Robe and Simone Boyce, offers daily conversations about culture, trends, and inspiration, and listeners can tune in on iHeartRadio to hear from award-winning artists like Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Green Day, among others. The 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards will air on Fox on April 1, 2024, and feature performances by these artists and more.

    • Applying electric pulses to the brain for depression treatmentECT, a controversial but effective depression treatment, uses brief electric pulses to the brain, reducing memory consolidation side effects and improving success rates over antidepressants (75-80%)

      Despite the controversial history and classification of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) as a Class III medical device, its use remains strictly medicalized due to its effectiveness in treating severe depression. The procedure involves the application of brief electric pulses to the brain using electrodes placed on the temples, which can interrupt memory consolidation and have fewer side effects compared to longer pulses. ECT is typically administered two to three times a week for several weeks, with each session lasting about ten minutes from anesthesia to awakening. Although the use of anesthesia has changed the perception of ECT, making it less shocking than portrayals from the past, it is still a significant intervention with potential side effects such as confusion and grogginess. ECT is most commonly used as a last resort when other antidepressants have failed, and it is effective in approximately 75-80% of cases compared to the 60% effectiveness rate of antidepressants.

    • ECT as a reset function for the brainECT acts as a reset for the brain, potentially releasing chemicals to improve function, and can be effective for major depression, especially for those at risk for suicide, often used in conjunction with antidepressants

      Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), a form of shock therapy, has gained wider acceptance in medical and public circles as an effective treatment for major depression, especially for those at risk for suicide. The use of ECT dropped significantly in the late 80s due to the rise of antidepressants, but it has since been found that ECT and antidepressants can work in conjunction. The theory is that ECT acts as a reset function for the brain, changing how blood flows or how cells metabolize things, potentially releasing certain chemicals to improve function. A study from Scotland in 2012 found that ECT altered the functional connectivity of regions associated with mood and emotion, allowing for clearer thinking and reduced depression. While the exact mechanisms of ECT and antidepressants are not fully understood, they have shown to be effective alternatives for those who do not respond well to antidepressants alone.

    • Understanding Electroconvulsive Therapy: Controversial Treatment for Mental Health ConditionsECT, a seizure-inducing treatment for mental health conditions, can help some recover faster but comes with risks like memory loss and rare death cases. Controversial, it's experiencing a resurgence and can be effective for certain individuals.

      Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), a controversial treatment for mental health conditions, involves passing electrical currents through the brain to induce a seizure. While it has been shown to help some people recover faster than those receiving a placebo treatment, it comes with risks, including memory loss and the potential for death in rare cases. These risks are often associated with the use of anesthesia. Critics of ECT, some of whom are anti-psychiatry, exist, but the overall consensus is that it can be effective for certain individuals. Despite its risks and controversy, ECT is experiencing a resurgence in use, and it's possible that it may become more widespread in the future. If you're interested in learning more about ECT, check out the resources available at howstuffworks.com. Remember, it's important to approach any medical treatment, including ECT, with a well-informed perspective.

    • Misinterpreted Music LyricsPersonal experiences and understanding can lead to misinterpretations of music lyrics, highlighting their subjective nature.

      Music and its meaning can be subjective and open to interpretation, even leading to misheard or misconstrued lyrics. This was highlighted during a discussion about the iHeart Radio Music Awards and various misheard lyrics throughout history. For instance, Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" was once believed to be about a car engine, but was later revealed to have been misinterpreted. Similarly, Cheryl shared her childhood experience of believing the bridge in Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach" was made of poppodombs, leading her to believe the song was about a weak bridge and falling into the river. These anecdotes demonstrate how our personal experiences and understanding can shape our perception of music and its lyrics.

    • Misheard lyrics and fond memoriesMusic can evoke memories and create unique experiences. Concerts provide unforgettable moments, from misheard lyrics to encounters with new smells.

      Music can bring back fond memories and create unique experiences. During a conversation, the topic of misheard song lyrics led to a funny anecdote about Till Tuesday's "Voices Carry" being mistakenly heard as "Horses Scare Me." This misheard lyric brought back memories of the first concert the speaker attended, which was headlined by Till Tuesday. The conversation then shifted to discussing the importance of attending concerts that one pays for and the experiences that come with them. One such experience involved the first encounter with the smell of marijuana at a concert. The conversation ended with a request for listeners to share their marriage stories, emphasizing that it's not just the wedding day that's important but the entire marriage journey. Overall, the conversation showcased the power of music and memories to bring people together and create meaningful connections.

    • Discovering Inspiration and Economic Insights through PodcastsListen to 'The Bright Side' for daily inspiration and 'The Big Take' for economic news and insights, both available for free on major podcast platforms.

      There's something for everyone in the world of podcasts, with shows like "The Bright Side" from Hello Sunshine and "The Big Take" from Bloomberg News. "The Bright Side," hosted by Danielle Robe and Simone Boyce, offers daily conversations about culture, trends, and inspiration. Listeners can share their own advice and brighten their day on this uplifting podcast, available for free on iHeart. On the other hand, "The Big Take" from Bloomberg News brings listeners the latest economic news and insights from top business reporters. Understanding the stories behind market movements and their implications is essential, and "The Big Take" delivers this information every afternoon on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms. Overall, whether you're looking for inspiration or economic analysis, these podcasts offer valuable content for listeners.

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