ECT Underutilized in Resistant Depression
I just read this interesting piece from WSJ’s Health Blog, reporting on a new commentary published in JAMA on the underutilization of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients whose depression does not respond to antidepressant treatment. The idea of sending electric currents through a person (some may even liken the procedure to controlled electrocution) has created a stigma of ECT. Doctors often view ECT as a last resort. Yet, for patients whose depression fails to respond to main treatment modalities like medication and psychotherapy, ECT may be a lifesaver.
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