Electroshock therapy has long suffered from a controversial and bizarre public image, effectively removing it as a treatment option for many patients. In Electroshock, Max Fink, M.D., draws on 45 years of clinical and research experience to argue that ECT is now a safe, painless, and sometimes life-saving treatment for emotional and mental disorders.
Dr. Fink traces the development of ECT from its discovery in 1934 followed by widespread use for two decades, to the 1950s when it was largely replaced by the introduction of psychotropic drugs, to its revival in the past twenty years as a viable treatment. He provides actual case studies of patients who have been treated with ECT and illustrates that many disorders--such as depression, mania, catatonia, and schizophrenia--respond well to it. As he explains the whole procedure from preparation to recovery, we see what the patient experiences. Fink also shows how anesthesia and muscle relaxation have refined ECT, minimizing discomfort and reducing risks to a level far lower than those experienced by patients using psychotropic drugs routinely prescribed for the same problems.
Clarifying the many misconceptions surrounding ECT, Electroshock is an excellent sourcebook for patients, their families, and mental health professionals.

Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0

An important book to read for anyone interested in ECT:

Max Fink's book discusses ECT in detail, but also in terms that the majority of patients can understand. It is clearly written, without hype, and describes ECT from the perspective of an experienced and caring clinician. I frequently recommend it for patients who are considering ECT.
As for vagus nerve stimulation, studies indicate that while it may be helpful for chronic depression, it probably takes too long (3-12 months) to work for it to be useful in an episode of acute, severe depression.

FDA approved vagus nerve stimulation-a much better therapy:

In February of 2005, the FDA approved vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for chronic depression. With this approval, for many patients electro-convulsive therapy will no longer be the most aggressive way to treat their chronic disease. Max Fink's book is very helpful in explaining and comforting a patient that is fearful of ECT. There is a terrible stigma associated with shock therapy. If it works, the relapse rate is high. For my money, I think I will go with vagus nerve stimulation and its benefits... more info

Cautious, Not Unconvinced:

I have some hesitation recommending a book on Electro-shock which is so clearly pro-ECT and does not review this very controversial subject with an objective eye, however, having said that, I believe it is a worthwhile book as long as it is read in conjunction with a book that seriously questions the value of ECT and studies the mechanism by which it is assumed to work. Dr. Fink gives some very clear and logical sounding reasons for choosing ECT, but he does not counterbalance these
with serious looks at... more info

The Patient's Experience?:

Dr. Fink's book contains a chapter titled, "The Patient's Experience" which I read with particular interest. I was curious to see whether or not Dr. Fink's description of the patient's experience would match ECT patient descriptions as provided to an objective person who has no financial motive to promote the continuing practice of ECT. I regret to note that Dr. Fink has failed to include critical details about the ECT patient experience. To be more precise, Dr. Fink's description of the ECT patient... more info

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