Electroconvulsive Therapy to Cure Depression - an effect of cold water immersion?
Controversial and stigma - how does it relate to cold water immersion?
Dear Thermalist Members!
Today I’ll take up an old treatment method for depression to give you some scientific insights into the practice of electroconvulsive therapy. There are therories that cold water immersion works in the same areas of the brain and that is the anti-depressive effects of cold water immersion.
When depression hits, the world can feel like a dark and endless pit. It can be difficult to find relief from constant feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. I know of many people who have tried everything from traditional therapy to medication but still struggle to find relief.
One treatment that is often discussed, yet highly controversial, is electroconvulsive therapy. I am going to talk about the truth behind this treatment, and whether it is a viable option for those suffering from depression. Before that, it would be great if we find out how mental illness was treated in the past for a better understanding of this therapy.
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How Mental Treatment Was Handled in the Past
In the past, mental illness was often seen as a result of evil spirits or divine punishment. People would try to cure it through chanting, special drinks, or even harmful methods like making holes in the head.
Those with mental illnesses were also wrongly accused and mistreated, sometimes labelled as witches and killed. Asylums were created but provided little help and instead kept patients isolated and subjected them to cruel treatments.
However, over time, mental health treatment has improved thanks to advocates like Philippe Pinel and Dorothea Dix. In the 20th century, new medicines were created and community mental health centres were established, leading to a decrease in hospitalizations for mental illness by over 90%. This shows how far we have come in understanding and treating psychological disorders.
Now let’s have a look at Electroconvulsive Therapy and how it cures mental illness. What is this therapy all about?
What is Electroconvulsive Therapy?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure that involves passing small electric currents through the brain to intentionally trigger a brief seizure. This procedure is performed under anaesthesia and can be used to treat various mental illnesses, including severe depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
ECT is typically administered two to three times a week for a total of six to twelve treatments. The exact number of treatments may vary depending on the individual's response to the therapy. The procedure lasts only a few minutes, but the entire session, including preparation and recovery, can take up to an hour.