It actually doesn't seem that bad to me, for a variety of reasons.
While not a common treatment anymore, ECT is effective in intractable depression where most/all other methods of treatment have failed. It is not the archaic torture device it once was - modern treatments have made it so that there is much less actual trauma to the patient anymore. If this works like ECT, then I imagine it could help a good many people who otherwise have no hope at a normal-ish life.
The other thing that calms my mind about this is the fact that insurance companies being what they are, (and I'm sure this is a VERY expensive piece of equipment) only those patients who really have tried everything else will be able to get one without having to pay for it out of pocket, which would be majorly prohibitive, I'm sure.
What I think is this is creepily similar to the last story I wrote here at Clarion. It seems like a good idea, if it works the way they say it does, but it also seems like the kind of thing that would be all too easy to abuse. What would limit it to use in this particular way, rather than, say, applying current to the pain receptors if 'inappropriate' thoughts are thought (that's what my story was about)?
I don't think the possible misuses are a good enough reason not to use it if it's efficacious, because I know that when I'm really depressed I wouldn't mind a device that zapps me happy again. But we should be cautious with any technology that directly affects the brain and could be controlled by outsiders to directly influence the thoughts or behaviors of people.
I have a very good freind who has CP and Epilepsy and she got the VNS 2 years ago. It has done WONDERS for her...absolute wonders. She used to have 6 to 8 grand mal siezures a month, now she has 2 a year. Her spell where the CP takes over her body are shorter and much more limited, and her mood has improved a thousand fold. She gets up and out every day now. The surgery was simple, it goes basically on your collarbone on the right, a little below, and is set to automatically stimulate your Vagas nerve every so many minutes, plus you can magnetically set ot off if you need a boost. If you want to know more about it, I can put you in touch with her...her name is...what else...Jen! ;)
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2005-07-21 06:34 pm (UTC)"Feel better, or I'll zap you again!"
"It hurts, so it must be good for you!"
Pardon me, I have to go build a societal lifeboat...
best,
Joel
no subject
Date: 2005-07-21 07:00 pm (UTC)While not a common treatment anymore, ECT is effective in intractable depression where most/all other methods of treatment have failed. It is not the archaic torture device it once was - modern treatments have made it so that there is much less actual trauma to the patient anymore. If this works like ECT, then I imagine it could help a good many people who otherwise have no hope at a normal-ish life.
The other thing that calms my mind about this is the fact that insurance companies being what they are, (and I'm sure this is a VERY expensive piece of equipment) only those patients who really have tried everything else will be able to get one without having to pay for it out of pocket, which would be majorly prohibitive, I'm sure.
no subject
Date: 2005-07-21 08:38 pm (UTC)I don't think the possible misuses are a good enough reason not to use it if it's efficacious, because I know that when I'm really depressed I wouldn't mind a device that zapps me happy again. But we should be cautious with any technology that directly affects the brain and could be controlled by outsiders to directly influence the thoughts or behaviors of people.
no subject
Date: 2005-07-24 08:57 pm (UTC)