3 comments so far.Mental Health: do not segregate & create new stigmas, says AD
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With regards to the transfer of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to the Mount Carmel Hospital, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, Prof. Arnold Cassola, said in a statement today, “we agree with the Richmond Foundation that “Whether we like it or not, Mt Carmel is still feared by many and these persons are likely to refuse or discontinue this essential treatment to avoid going to Mt Carmel Hospital.”
“The Health authorities should encourage and make it easier for patients to undergo this essential regular treatment rather than evoking stigmas that will discourage them from doing so,” Prof. Cassola concluded.
ECT gives permanent brain damage. Any immediate effect is due to concussion. A temporary euphoria which fades after 4 – 6 weeks and the patient goes back to how they were plus they now have brain damage. People can forget their education and many years of their past life. They can have cognitive deficits and be unable to make new memories. ECT machines have never been tested for safety on humans. Unfortunately they are big business which is why psychiatrists are lobbying the FDA (US) to relegate the machines from class III to class II so they don’t have to be tested. The FDA are being pressurised by congress to do one or the other.
In cases of severe depression, for which it should only be used the benefits or otherwise are arguable. Interesting information here from The Royal college of Psychiatrists:
http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/treatmentswellbeing/ect.aspx
Gozo is in dire need to have a specialized ward for dementia patients at the Gozo General Hospital and a professionally trained staff dedicated to cope with those patients.