Posted on 05/14/2023 1:39:05 PM PDT by DallasBiff
Electric shock therapy has a long and controversial history as a treatment for many mental health issues. Infamously depicted in the 1975 film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, electric shock therapy has gained a reputation as a brutal and inhumane punishment for those struggling with their mental health.
This film does indeed portray the reality of a small portion of clients from the early days of electric shock therapy treatment. Even so, the dramatic portrayal of electric shock therapy differs immensely from how the treatment has typically been administered, especially from how it is used in hospitals currently.
Today, electric shock therapy has been shelved in favor of talk therapy and more effective medications. Although it is no longer used as commonly as it was in the past, shock therapy for depression, schizophrenia, mania, and dementia is still widely used by mental health professionals when other types of treatment fail.
So, first, what is shock therapy?
It was discussed once by my mother and like Marge Simpson, and said it will never be discussed again.
Mods pull if too controversial.
Today, electric shock therapy has been shelved in favor of talk therapy... and opposite sex hormones and genital surgeries.
Is there a link to the entire article?
My father in law had it in the 60’s. His wife told me it helped. She told me he was suicidal after coming home from WWII—and had been a mess for years.
I’ve worked at a behavioral health hospital in the 2015-18 years and while it was used, it was very different from the “old days.”
It can help
https://www.mytherapist.com/advice/therapy/the-history-of-electric-shock-therapy/
Shock Therapy. Better than the good old fashined Frontal Lobotomy.
Just ask Rosemary Kennedy.
Thanks!
Lobotomies were championed by Johns Hopkins early on. As were transgender hormones and surgeries.
I worked in a Psychiatric hospital in the 80’s. This hospital did not use ECT at all. If a Psychiatrist ordered it, the patient would be transported to a facility that had the equipment. I worked there 7 years and only saw less than 5 orders.
I worked in a psychiatric hospital in the late 60’s and it was used on a daily basis, as was insulin therapy. My mother-in- law underwent shock therapy for years and it rendered her a zombie. She was heavily medicated on top of it.
A friend defeated around 10 interlocks to get to the guts of a sputtering system, got a finger on a 10 Kv 10KHz power supply. His skin nearly vaporized.
Just pee on an electric fence if you are feeling depressed. Changes your whole attitude fast.
Semiconductor mfg, not a facility
Yes, I’ve heard many horror stories. I’ve never heard of insulin therapy for mental illness. Most common drugs used back then was Thorazine and Lithium.
I read about using insulin to reduce blood triglycerides.
Not so... ECT is very common today.
They changed the voltage, frequency and methods, but it is very common.
Many Leftists need Shock Therapy...some have had it and need it again, some FR members need it as well.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.