DIRECT NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT, A NEW APPLICATION OF ELECTRO SHOCK THERAPY (ECT)

Abstract

Although ECT has been in use for over twenty-four years, studies establishing criteria for treatment and predictions of results are still lacking. Results of past studies may seem to be contradictory because of the failure to recognize the dependence of behavior on certain neurophysiological parameters. These parameters have never been elucidated because ECT has proceeded largely on an empirical basis, without a model which can predict the effects of treatment. The proposed model leads to the definition of parameters not previously considered by clinicians, a resulting hypothesis regarding the effects of the treatment, and directions for administering more effective treatment. Furthermore, the model reconciles the seemingly contradictory results of previous studies, suggests new applications of convulsive treatment, and, hopefully, will lead to the needed studies being carried out.