Through an IV, Manning also received succinylcholine, which immobilized her to prevent the breakage of bones and methohexital, which acted as a short-acting anesthetic (Manning, 1994).

             Also, as in Undercurrents, another modern practice involved applying the electric current to only the nondominant side of the brain, thus reducing the loss of memory, which is the most troubling side effect of ECT (Manning, 1994; Encarta, 1995). Unilateral ECT, as described above, is less effective than bilateral ECT (Encarta, 1995).

             The answer of when to give ECT is about as simple as the question. ECT is considered most effective for depressions not responsive to drug therapy (Fraser, 1982). Although controversial, ECT brings rapid relief from severe depression and can often prevent suicide (Encarta, 1995).

             Electroconvulsive therapy should be the treatment of choice for the severely ill depressives who have hallucinations and delusions or who have significant suicidal feelings. Where speed is essential in treatment, oral antidepressants may not be the first choice, since they can take two or more weeks to show an adequate effect; in themselves they can have unpleasant or dangerous side-effects (Fraser, 1982).

             ECT is primarily indicated in the treatment of mood disorders (Abrams and Essman, 1982). Depressive states characterized by profound sadness or dysphoria respond best. While the following are also diagnostic criteria: 1. Sad, dysphoric, or anxious moods; 2. Early A.M. waking, diurnal mood swing (worse in the A.M.), greater than five pound weight loss in three weeks, retardation/ agitation, suicidal thoughts/ behavior, feelings of guilt/ self-reproach/ hopelessness/ worthlessness; 3. No coarse brain disease or use of steroids in the past month, no medical illness known to cause depressive symptoms (Abrams and Essman, 1982).

             Although shock therapy has been performed for decades, researchers still do not know precisely how it works to combat depression.