The Most Barbaric Medical Treatment Still Being Used Today
Dr. Eric Berg DCPublished on November 22, 2025
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a controversial treatment for depression that poses significant health risks and lacks scientific backing. Dr. Berg urges for safer, natural alternatives to address mental health issues without the traumatic side effects of ECT.
Key Points
- ECT costs between $2,000 to $2,500 per treatment and involves multiple sessions.
- It has never been scientifically proven effective and is used on vulnerable populations.
- The treatment has severe side effects, including permanent brain damage and memory loss.
- Patients often experience significant personality changes and loss of identity after ECT.
- Dr. Berg advocates for exploring natural alternatives for treating depression.
Understanding the Controversy Surrounding Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
In the realm of mental health treatments, few topics are as contentious as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), often referred to as shock therapy. Dr. Eric Berg sheds light on this controversial procedure, discussing its implications, costs, and the significant risks it poses to patients.
The Cost and Scope of ECT
Electroconvulsive Therapy is not just a relic of the past; it is a treatment still in use today for conditions such as depression. The average cost of ECT can range from $2,000 to $2,500 per treatment, often requiring around 12 sessions in the first month, followed by maintenance treatments every three weeks. This multi-billion dollar industry is covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and the VA system, making it accessible to many, but also raising concerns about its ethical implications.
Scientific Backing and Ethical Concerns
Despite its continued use, ECT has never been scientifically proven to be effective. There are no double-blinded placebo-controlled trials supporting its efficacy. Alarmingly, this treatment has been administered to vulnerable populations, including children as young as eight years old and pregnant women. The United Nations has labeled it a human rights abuse, likening its use on minors to torture.
Health Risks and Side Effects
The side effects associated with ECT are severe and numerous. Documented adverse events include:
- Permanently altered brain function
- Memory loss
- Cardiac arrest
- Increased risk of suicide
- Brain swelling and neuronal death
As Dr. Berg notes, the procedure involves delivering 150 volts of electricity to the brain to induce a seizure, a practice that raises serious safety concerns.
The Long-Term Impact on Patients
Patients who have undergone ECT often report significant changes in their personality, humor, and creativity. Dr. Berg recounts the experiences of individuals who have come to him seeking help after ECT, emphasizing that their challenges stem from what he describes as a form of traumatic brain injury. The long-term effects of ECT can lead to a diminished quality of life, with memories and important aspects of one's identity potentially lost forever.
Exploring Alternative Treatments
Given the risks associated with ECT, Dr. Berg urges a reevaluation of how mental illnesses, particularly depression, are treated. He advocates for an approach that looks at the root causes of these conditions, including nutritional deficiencies and diet. Alternatives such as:
- Monitoring vitamin D levels
- Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake
- Implementing a low-carb diet
- Practicing intermittent fasting
These methods can offer safer and more effective ways to manage mental health without the traumatic side effects of ECT.
Taking Action Against ECT
If you share the concerns regarding the continued use of this treatment, Dr. Berg encourages individuals to take action by advocating for change. Links to petitions and actions you can take are provided for those interested in voicing their opposition to ECT.
Conclusion
Electroconvulsive Therapy remains a polarizing subject in the field of mental health. While it is still utilized in modern medicine, the ethical implications and potential health risks cannot be ignored. As we seek to understand and address mental health issues, it is vital to consider safer and more natural alternatives that prioritize patient well-being.