Myths about Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Table of Contents

Myths about Electroconvulsive Therapy
MYTHSFACTS
BPT is given to an AWAKE patientPatient is under anesthesia for the entire procedure. BPT is given after anesthesia
has been given.
“Electrical Shock” is given for a long time.Controlled electrical stimulation is given using a specialized machine. The average
duration of the stimulus is for a few seconds (1-3 seconds).
BPT causes permanent memory lossBPT is not associated with any permanent damages to memory or to other brain
structure.
BPT resets/factory resets the brainBPT causes a complex chain of changes in the chemical balance of the brain, which
leads to recovery from illness. It does not alter the brain structure in any way.
A person goes crazy after receiving a course of BPTBPT is the cure to an illness, and does not cause the illness.
After a course of BPT, the patient becomes dependent on BPT.No form of dependence occurs after a course of BPT.
BPT is given to patients who have serious mental illnesses.BPT can be given to any patient with mental illnesses, irrespective of the severity of
the illness.

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