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The Shocking Truth About Shock Therapy: A Penguin Modern Classics Review

Efrain Powell

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Published in Shock Therapy (Penguin Modern Classics)

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Shock therapy, also known as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT),is a controversial psychiatric treatment that involves passing an electrical current through the brain. It has been used for decades to treat a variety of mental illnesses, including depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. However, shock therapy has also been criticized for its potential side effects, which can include memory loss, cognitive impairment, and even death.

In her book Shock Therapy: A History of Electroconvulsive Treatment in Mental Illness, author Lisa Appignanesi provides a comprehensive overview of this controversial treatment. Appignanesi traces the history of shock therapy from its early days in the 1930s to its present-day use. She also examines the scientific evidence for shock therapy's effectiveness, as well as the ethical concerns that have been raised about its use.

Shock Therapy (Penguin Modern Classics)

by Will Bevis

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	223 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	16 pages

Appignanesi's book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about shock therapy. It is a well-written and informative book that provides a balanced view of this controversial treatment. Appignanesi does not shy away from the potential risks of shock therapy, but she also provides a fair and objective assessment of its potential benefits.

One of the most striking things about Appignanesi's book is her ability to humanize the people who have been subjected to shock therapy. She tells the stories of patients who have been helped by shock therapy, as well as the stories of patients who have been harmed by it. These stories provide a valuable glimpse into the complex world of mental illness and the challenges that face those who suffer from it.

Appignanesi's book is also a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the history of psychiatry. She provides a detailed account of the development of shock therapy, from its early days as a experimental treatment to its widespread use in the mid-20th century. Appignanesi also discusses the role that shock therapy has played in the broader history of mental illness, from the asylum era to the present day.

Overall, Shock Therapy: A History of Electroconvulsive Treatment in Mental Illness is a well-written, informative, and balanced book. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about shock therapy, its history, its effectiveness, and its ethical implications.