Perhaps because of the fear and stigma associated with electroconvulsive therapy, along with all the new, effective drug and behavioral therapies, I have found there to be a frustrating paucity of accessible literature on the subject. The following books were absolutely invaluable in my decision to pursue ECT, and in persuading those who loved me that this was a viable and valuable choice.
Kitty Dukakis and Larry Tye, Shock: The Healing Power Of Electroconvulsive Therapy (New York: Avery, 2006) – This book is a heartfelt and compelling account of one woman’s decision to undergo ECT after years of failed therapies. In alternating chapters, you will find an award-winning medical reporter’s ”engrossing look” at the history, science behind, and modern practice of ECT. By turns heartbreaking, inspiring, chilling and reassuring, it is in all ways a fascinating read. I recommend this book for anyone investigating electroconvulsive therapy for themselves, or perhaps a loved one, or for anyone who just wants to learn more about it for their own interest and edification. Retail Price (US): $14.95
Max Fink, Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Guide For Professionals And Their Patients (New York: Oxford University Press, 2009) - This is a slightly more technical – but by no means inaccessible – and, for lack of a better term, “rosy” look at ECT. It is written by one of the leading experts in the field, with over 50 years of clinical experience administering ECT. It provides descriptions of the procedure itself, the mechanisms by which ECT is believed to work, case studies, and information on its use in less mainstream populations, such as children. This book also provides history, comparisons to other brain stimulation techniques, and a presentation of the ethical issues entangling this sometimes misunderstood treatment. All in all an excellent book, but a note of caution (and this is personal opinion only, please take the time to read the book and form your own): Dr. Fink is strongly in favor of electroconvulsive therapy, tending to focus on its positives and dismiss some of its negatives. I still recommend it highly. Retail Price (US): $17.95
Both of these books are available at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, and www.borders.com
© alwaysfindsherway and Shock And Awe 2010-2011. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to alwaysfindsherway and Shock And Awe with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Any and all permissions set forth here are superseded, and when applicable revoked by this blog’s Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
February 26, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!
March 8, 2011 at 5:51 pm
Hmm, WordPress hid this one in my Spam folder. Either instinct or ego is telling me that it’s legit. Let’s hope it’s instinct, and if that be the case, thank you very much.