Research Guides: Student Research Guide: The Modern Relevance of Electroshock Therapy: Home

Introduction to the Topic

ATTENTION: The following research guide contains information regarding the controversial practice of electroshock therapy. Some may find the content discussed potentially disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.

Electroshock therapy is the application of electrical impulses to treat various ailments, almost always related to psychological disorders or difficulties. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the only variant which has seen any proper success yet is still mired in controversy. This is not to mention the numerous other attempts to utilize electric shocks to remedy the ill, all of which have proven to be a divisive mixed bag of results in their own rights. It is because of this clouded information that one may ask whether or not electroshock therapy has a place in the medical industry.

Main research questions:

What is the public consensus on ECT?
What is the professional consensus on ECT?
What are other "shock therapies" that exist and have been used recently?
How have these other shock therapies impacted the public image of ECT?

Keywords for searching the topic

"Electroshock Therapy"
"Electroconvulsive Therapy"/ECT

Best Databases/Search Engines

ProQuest This link opens in a new window
By far the most prominent database in my research, most of my sources came from this site thanks to its vast library of academic articles and newspaper excerpts.

Academic Search Complete
This database offered a strong amount of scholarly articles to review with nearly identical quality to those offered by ProQuest.
Google Scholar
Google Scholar is a great source for finding varied articles within the broader sphere of the internet. However, it should be noted that this variety can allow for less than adequate data to slip through. Do take the information provided by Google Scholar's sources with a grain of salt.

Start Your Research Here

Simon, & Bernstein, J. (2001). Shock Treatment. Columbia Broadcasting System. https://sbctc-skagit.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01STATEWA_SKAGIT/1k7g980/alma991000651075002822

This video lays a very clear foundation in terms of knowledge regarding ECT, presenting not only a professional opinion but also that of those who oppose the application of the practice.

Loo, C. (2013). ECT in the 21st century: ultrabrief pulse stimulation. Australian Prescriber, 36(1), 22–23. https://doi-org.skagit.idm.oclc.org/10.18773/austprescr.2013.009 https://skagit.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=85593418&site=ehost-live

This source provides a quick rundown of various statistics related to ECT. This can be very helpful in regards to understanding where professionals are coming from with their stances along with fleshing out one's own opinion on the practice.