Is electric shock treatment safe for the human body?
Dr Samir Parikh
Director and Consultant,
Psychiatry,
Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj,
Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
Director and Consultant,
Psychiatry,
Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj,
Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
Q: One of my cousins has been admitted to a mental hospital, as she was quite unstable. The doctors have advised to give her 5-6 electric shocks, though I do not feel that they should be given. What will be the effects of these shocks on her body?
A:Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), as a treatment is effective for some psychiatry conditions, and can be given as per clinical condition on the advise of the treating psychiatrist. You should discuss with the psychiatrist about your doubts and the rationale about choosing this treatment.Long-term serious harmful effects have not been substantiated, and in some conditions it is very effective.