Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States and approximately 18.8 million American adults suffer from it. Yet, among the patients who take common medical treatments like antidepressant drugs, only half the patients actually see a therapeutic effect. The depression patients suffer a broad range of undesirable side effects, which includes weight gain, sexual dysfunction and even suicidal behavior.



Compared to antidepressant drugs, Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) has a far higher success rate. It is some 80% of patients who respond positively to the treatment. ECT, however, is a highly invasive treatment that involves general anesthesia, with many serious side effects. The side effects range from dizziness and headaches to temporary or even permanent memory impairment.



Via: israel21c