Other Treatments

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), often called shock treatment, has received bad press since it was introduced in the 1940s. However, refined techniques have revived its use, particularly for those with severe depression. Imaging studies have not found that current ECT techniques cause any damage to the brain's structure, and some doctors feel it is safer than drug therapy. A 2005 review of many clinical trials indicated that ECT combined with antipsychotic medication can provide rapid improvements for patients who are suicidal or severely psychotic. The review found that the combined treatment worked better than antipsychotics alone for these patients. ECT treatments are usually given 2 - 3 times a week, for a total of 8 - 12 sessions.

Magnetic Stimulation

Investigators are testing a procedure called transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), which reduces brain activity. The procedure administers magnetic stimulation to the scalp in the area above and behind the left ear (which corresponds to the areas in the brain associated with auditory hallucinations). Some early studies report reduced hallucinations in 52 - 70% of patients receiving this therapy. Further research is underway.

Review Date: 12/21/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

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