Submitted by Philip Barton, Feb 21, 2008 09:16

To suggest that ECT is safe when there are volumes of material within the ranks of psychiatry itself stating quite explicitly that it is not, is misleading at best. The majority of psychiatrists refuse the odium of association with ECT and refuse to perform it. Psychiatrists have even set up their own organization devoted to banning ECT as a practice (Dr. Michael Correy in Ireland amongst others) ECT is a barbarous practice and its efficacy such as it is is based upon burning out parts of the brain. It reduces the victim to a lowered level state where things that worried him/her before no longer do. A few quotes from within the ranks of the profession:Lee Coleman Psychiatrist (speaking about new, 'modified' ECT) "Since neither the brain nor electricity has changed since the 1930s, the result is still the same--brain damage." and: "The changes one sees when electroshock is administered are completely consistent with any acute brain injury such as a blow to the head from a hammer. In essence, what happens is that the individual is dazed, confused and disoriented, and therefore cannot appreciate current problems." and: "The rationale for electroshock was formerly couched in psychoanalytic terms, with punitive superegos sometimes requiring repeated shocks of 110 volts for appeasement. Only then could guilt be assuaged and discontent be relieved. It is much more common now to hear equally absurd neurophysiological explanations, this time the idea being that these electrical assaults somehow rearrange brain chemistry for the better. John Breeding Ph.D "the term ECT is really a euphemistic misnomer. It is not a 'convulsive therapy'. Rather, it is systematic brain damage, and the damage is the effect; the more current, the more brain damage." Frank Vertosick, Neurosurgeon Associate Director, Center for Neuro-Oncology, "Finding a paper extolling the virtues of psychosurgery in today's medical literature is rather like finding one advocating bloodletting." He also equated ECT to "... repairing a computer with a chainsaw."

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