The controversial practice of electroconvulsive therapy is still being used to treat depression.
Now new research shows that reported side effects could actually be beneficial to the patient.
Research Professor with Trinity College in Dublin Declan McLaughlin has been involved in the study.
He says there are common misconceptions about the treatment.
“When I have say students or trainees coming to see to our clinic, they often comment on how mundane treatment it appears” he said.
“During a course of these… up to maybe 3 or 4 days afterwards many people will indeed have problems with sort-term memory; so for the example the ability to remember our conversation now in a few minutes time”.
“Whereas that function actually improves quite steadily within the weeks after treatment – such that within 2 weeks afterwards your short-term memory function is actually significantly better” he added.
