Shock therapy, also known as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), is a medical procedure used in the treatment of certain mental illnesses. During this procedure, small electrical currents are passed through the brain intentionally triggering a brief seizure. While this may sound intimidating, the procedure is conducted under general anesthesia, meaning the patient is not awake or aware. ECT can result in quick improvements for severe symptoms of mania or depression, particularly when these conditions are not responding to other treatments. As for side effects, temporary memory loss and mild confusion are usually seen immediately following treatment but dissipate over time. Despite the controversy trailing its use, shock therapy remains an effective treatment methodology for certain mental health conditions.
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