Fink M
Am J Psychiatry. 1977 Sep;134(9):991-6. doi: 10.1176/ajp.134.9.991.
The author discusses the myths of the ECT process--that shock and the convulsion are essential, memory loss and brain damage are inescapable, and little is known of the process--and assesses the fallacies in these ideas. Present views of the ECT process suggest that its mode of action in depression may best be described as a prolonged form of diencephalic stimulation, particularly useful to affect the hypothalamic dysfunctions that characterize depressive illness. The author emphasizes the need for further study of this treatment modality and for self-regulation by the profession.
作者探讨了电休克疗法过程中的一些误区——即电击和抽搐必不可少、记忆丧失和脑损伤不可避免且对该过程知之甚少——并评估了这些观点中的谬误。目前对电休克疗法过程的看法表明，其在抑郁症中的作用方式最好被描述为一种长时间的间脑刺激形式，对影响以抑郁性疾病为特征的下丘脑功能障碍特别有用。作者强调需要对这种治疗方式进行进一步研究，并需要专业人员进行自我规范。
