Editorial Review:

An important and powerful book about electroconvulsive therapy and its comeback.
For more than twenty years, Kitty Dukakis battled severe depression with every medication and treatment available. But it wasn't until she tried electroconvulsive therapy- ECT-that she began getting her life back for good. Written with award-winning medical reporter Larry Tye, Shock is both the personal story of how ECT dramatically changed Kitty Dukakis's life as well as a captivating look at the science behind ECT, the controversy surrounding it, and the history of its intriguing rebirth in this country.
Shock explores the stigma afflicting ECT-still a treatment that many hospitals do not administer-and debunks long-held misconceptions about how it is performed. Though some continue to view ECT as a dangerous, even barbaric, procedure, as this book explains there is no scientific evidence to suggest that ECT damages the brain. It can cause side effects like memory loss, but they generally are not far-reaching or long-lasting, especially when newer, lower-impact techniques are employed. In fact, the U.S. surgeon general and the National Institutes of Health agree that for severe depression ECT is safe, and often more effective than antidepressants or psychotherapy.
An eye-opening and powerful book about one of the most contentious medical treatments in history, Shock demystifies ECT and brings to life-through Kitty Dukakis's moving account -its impressive capacity to heal. For the millions who suffer from depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses, it offers real information, practical guidance, and hope.

Customer Reviews:

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

Electroshock Therapy Kit for Home:

This 'self-electroshock' therapy unit is designed for home use, only needs two AAA batteries and a certificate from the state board of health. If you think a doctor of psychiatry is expensive and you get one who usually is neurotic, and sitting on an Italian leather sofa is both boring and deranged then this will be very good for you as you can not only administer shocks to your own frigid body when you want but you can avoid seeing a nut case shrink altogether. Only for mildly depressed people and... more info

At last, a rational dsicussion:

The circumstances that force us to make a choice tend to be the very circumstances that cloud our judgment. Not helping is the hysteria and hyperbole that pass for information on the internet. A psychiatric crisis is not the time to carefully weigh ECT's pros and cons. Making a rational decision is best done well ahead of time, while we have our wits about us. Read "Shock," do further research, and make up your own mind.

The New ECT:

I found this book to be very informative, but I wish that Kitty Dukakis would have given more on her personal experiences with the actual treatment.

Shock electro consulsive theropy-Dukakis:

If you have a loved one that suffers from depression this book will help you understand.

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