Electroshock Therapy Machine

1982.621 MOTAT Medical Collection

Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) has been used since 1934 in the treatment of mental illness.  It was believed that inducing a seizure would help to alleviate and counteract, and in some cases cure, illnesses such as schizophrenia or related symptoms of mental illness.

The theory behind ECT dates back to 1785 when it was common for doctors to induce seizures and fevers, believing that mental illnesses were antagonistic disorders (muscles that inhibit the function of other muscles).  Today ECT is seen as a very inhumane method of treatment due to bad publicity in the 1950s through to the 1970s.  This was mainly fostered by Ken Kesey author of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, a semi-biography of his experiences with ECT while in psychiatric care.  A more modern negative depiction can be seen in Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem For a Dream (2000).  It has been documented that ECT has been misused by psychiatric staff to subdue patients rather than treat them.

Though the benefits of ECT have been recognized it remains an individual experience that may benefit some and not others.  The machine displayed is dated to the 19^th Century and its compact size suggests that it was a portable instrument possibly used for home treatments.  On display also are the electrodes that would have been attached to the patient receiving treatment.

Electroshock Therapy Machine with open case

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