Electroshock therapy (ECT) has long suffered from a controversial and bizarre public image. In this work, Max Fink draws on 45 years of clinical and research experience to argue that ECT is now a safe, effective, painless and sometimes life-saving treatment for emotional and mental disorders.

1. What is Electroshock? ; 2. The Patient's Experience ; 3. Risks and Contradictions ; 4. Technical Features of the Treatment ; 5. Depressive Mood Disorders ; 6. Manic Mood Disorders ; 7. Thought Disorders ; 8. Movement Disorders ; 9. How Does it Work? ; 10. The Origins of Electroshock Therapy ; 11. Controversies in Electroshock ; 12. Electroshock in the 1990s ; Appendix 1: Diagnoses in Which ECT is Considered Effective ; Appendix 2: Diagnoses in Which ECT is Considered Ineffective ; Appendix 3: Sample Consent Form for Electrotherapy ; Appendix 4: Medicines

"Dr. Fink...writes about the use of electroshock in the treatment of depression, mania and schizophrenia, among other disorders. He cites numerous studies that he says demonstrate its effectiveness, its record in reducing the cost and length of inpatient treatment, and its ability to bring on antidepressant effects earlier 'and more robust than those of antidepressant drugs.' Dr. Fink's assessment is generally confirmed by the National Institute of Mental Health, which characterizes electroshock therapy as 'one of the most effective yet most stigmatized treatments for depression.'"--The New York Times "In an America long besotted with psychotherapy, Max Fink carried an often lonely torch for the physical treatment of psychiatric disorders . . . . Electroshock is a slim volume, packing a punch of controversy."--Nature "This book, clearly written, concise, and assertive, should help balance the picture, educating mental health professionals and the general public alike"--Forward Magazine "Dr. Fink...writes about the use of electroshock in the treatment of depression, mania and schizophrenia, among other disorders. He cites numerous studies that he says demonstrate its effectiveness, its record in reducing the cost and length of inpatient treatment, and its ability to bring on antidepressant effects earlier 'and more robust than those of antidepressant drugs.' Dr. Fink's assessment is generally confirmed by the National Institute of Mental Health, which characterizes electroshock therapy as 'one of the most effective yet most stigmatized treatments for depression.'"--The New York Times "In an America long besotted with psychotherapy, Max Fink carried an often lonely torch for the physical treatment of psychiatric disorders . . . . Electroshock is a slim volume, packing a punch of controversy."--Nature "This book, clearly written, concise, and assertive, should help balance the picture, educating mental health professionals and the general public alike"--Forward Magazine "Among many ECT books that cover similar content, this volume really stands out. It not only reviews evidence-based literature but also reflects the author's enormous amount of personal experience in taking care of severely ill and often treatment-resistant patients....This book is clearly written by a strong ECT advocate, but it presents a balanced view of concomitant treatment options and alternatives."--Ethiopian Reivew, part of DC's Health News Forum

Max Fink, M.D., is Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology Emeritus at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and Attending Psychiatrist at the Long Island Jewish-Hillside Hospital Medical Center. He is the author of Convulsive Therapy: Theory and Practice, Psychobiology of Convulsive Therapy, and other books. He lives in Nissequogue, New York.