Electroconvulsive Therapy or ECT is a medical procedure used to treat mainly depressive episodes, though it has been used in the past in the treatment of schizophrenia. During ECT, a seizure is induced by electric current. Unfortunately, this procedure has received a bad reputation. ECT is the quickest way to reverse suicidal depression. It is also very effective in the treatment of treatment resistant depression, in which an individual does not respond to medications. ECT is a relatively safe procedure. Researchers are not sure exactlty how it works, however. One of the main side effects includes memory loss, though improvements in the technique have reduced this. There are some doctors who prefer ECT over waiting for antidepressants to take effect. Psychiatrists must be specially trained to perform this procedure.

Over-the-Counter Remedies

There are two products that can be purchased over-the-counter that have proven some effectiveness in the treatment of clinical depression. The first is the herb St. John's Wort. However, since the FDA does not regulate over-the-counter and herbal products, there is no guarantee that an individual is getting the same amount osf the psychoactive product in each dosage. In addition, although St. John's Wort is usually fine taken by itself, it can react to other prescription medications, including other antidepressants. When combined with other antidepressants, it can cause seizures. The other product, SAMe, has been used in Europe by prescription. SAMe usually takes two to four weeks to become effective. It is unclear at this time what side effects or drug interactions may be present.