Is electric shock treatment still been administerad in sheffield?

I knew someone who had it done, that was about 5-6 years ago though.

Think its still being used but as a last resort now-when all other methods fail to help severe depression sufferers etc.
My dad had ECT in late 70s hes never suffered since.

Caroline Ahern was reported to have volunteered herself for this treatment very recently, in an attempt to deal successfully with her depression.

Edit: but don't know about Sheffield!

Northern General was administering it up to 3 years ago as my Ma had it done despite my protestations and it didn't have any effect.

ECT therapy is being used, but only in cases of mental illness that actually warrant it. In days gone by, it was used for practically anything for would have been classed as a mental illness, which included mild cases of depression and PND, which was totally barbaric.

These days ECT therapy is only used in extreme mental illnesses. It is still a controversial treatment though.

You may find some more information about ECT therapy here (http://www.priory.co.uk/psych/ectol.htm)

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is most certainly used in the UK and also around the world. The 3 common reasons for using ECT are:
1. Severe life threatening depression
2 Mania
3 . Catatonic schizophrenia

For the first reason, it is sometimes the only option available and can "be a life saver" especially if the person receiving it is not eating or more importantly not drinking.

There are various myths about ECT, most of them are simply NOT true. I would not regard ECT as barbaric. The patient receives a short acting general anaesthetic and muscle relaxant and is looked after by an anaesthetist and psychiatrist and a number of other nursing staff. The whole process lasts literally minutes and is safer than going to hospital and having an operation.

My son tried to re-wire an electrical outlet once, got a shock, won't do it again, DOES THAT COUNT ?

How can someone give ECT and not know how it works.IT the 21 century

yes it is I was going to have 2 weeks ago to get me off this alcohol addiction. but like everything else it was changed I did have it about 10 years ago and as it only worked for a short while they put me back on tablets and injections to try and combat my addiction. funny that if I was a drug addict they would put me on methedone as I am a alcoholic they cant give me booze to combat my addiction it would only make me worse anyway. so yes ECT is still around I can remember a friend of mine having it and for weeks he said he felt right different as though it had worked the only trouble is it hadnt worked to what he wanted he commited suicide 2 weeks later. so the morale of that story is dont have it.

As an approved social worker under the Mental Health Act 1983, I can assure readers that ECT (electro-convulsive therapy) is still administered, particularly in cases of severe depression. Catatonic schizophrenia is incredibly rare, and in my professional experience I have only ever met one catatonic schizophrenic.

I cannot comment upon Sheffield hospitals, as my work was in another local authority, but ECT is used less frequently these days. There are undoubted benefits for some (but not all) patients undergoing ECT treatment. Some patients experience side-effects, including short-term and even long-term memory loss.

Whilst training in mental health work in Cumbria, over 30 years ago now, I observed ECT being administered. Muscle relaxants are always now administered (to avoid patients breaking limbs during the effects of the ECT). I witnessed patients being wired across the head and receiving an electric shock - which literally makes the patient's body convulse. It looks barbaric, and no psychiatrist can explain how it appears to relieve the symptoms of depression. However, I have seen patients who after several treatments (ECT it is not usually a one-off treatment) have improved in their condition. I have also seen patients for whom ECT has had no beneficial effect.

For some severely depressed patients, there are undoubted short-term benefits, but I remain unconvinced of any long-term benefits of ECT.

May I take this opportunity of welcoming bigkev back to Sheffield Forum. There are many forummers who have been holding you in our thoughts bigkev - hope all is going well for you now.

yes it is still used at the northern general, i too thought it was barbaric, but i have had the opportunity to witness it save someones life but also not work for another. its appears to be like anything, not all teatments suit everyone and personally i would hate to have this treatment, but if everything else failed, i would resort to this.

Originally posted by jules99
yes it is still used at the northern general, i too thought it was barbaric, but i have had the opportunity to witness it save someones life but also not work for another. its appears to be like anything, not all teatments suit everyone and personally i would hate to have this treatment, but if everything else failed, i would resort to this.

Thanks jules99. It is impossible to predict whether ECT will work for anyone. I have seen patients so desperately ill, (having made serious attempts on their own lives due to an enduring and disabling severe depression), that they either resorted to ECT, or had it administered via compulsory powers - and improve. Equally, I have seen patients for whom it has not
made an atom of difference.

There are now new types of drugs, and alternative therapies (like cognitive therapy) which assist more patients - which are some of the reasons why ECT is less widely used nowadays.
But in extreme cases - if everything else has failed.......then ECT may indeed be a last resort.

Originally posted by baza1
Is electric shock treatment still been administerad in sheffield?

Yes!

the value of defibrilation in sudden cardiac arrest is unevquivable (?sp)

and if you are talking about ECT , yes AFAIK ECT is still carried out in Sheffield

ECT is administered in Sheffield at the Longley centre (in the ECT suite). It is also rarely given in the theatre suites when necessary. I agree with redrobbo that there are alternative therapies available including new medications and cognitive and behavioural therapies. However, I regard ECT as a jumpstart to a car battery. You need to give that kick start (ECT) before recharging it slowly (medications or other therapies). As mentioned earlier, ECT is given for severe life threatening depression (in accordance to the NICE guidelines).