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New Zealand Listener, Volume 13, Issue 319, 3 August 1945, Page 5

Sir-I read with interest the comments of your correspondent O, E, Burton in a recent issue of The Listener, under the above heading. As one who has just recovered from a severe nervous breakdown as a direct: and immediate result of thi$ treatment, I would like to assure your correspondent that the patient has nothing to fear and suffers no pain or discomfort from the shock. Immediately the current is turned on, the patient becomes unconscious and remains so for varying periods, and when he regains consciousness has no knowledge or recollection, pleasant or unpleasant, of anything that happened

‘from the time he got ready for the shock. At least that was my experience, and from what I have read onthe subject since my recovery, I believe that is the general experience. In my case, I agreed somewhat reluctantly to try the treatment, and certainly faith in the treatment played no part in my recovery. I had been unable to attend to my business or private affairs for about six months before I consented. to try the treatment, and after undergoing it for six weeks, during which time I received in all 12 shocks at the rate of two per week, and after resting for less than a week, I returned to my home and almost immediately again took charge of my not inconsiderable business affairs and of my practice as a Public Accountant, and "have not missed a day at my office since then. That is now nearly two months ago and I believe my mental and: physical vigour is at least as great as it was before my breakdown. I shall never cease to be grateful to those good friends who urged me to try the electric shock treatment and ‘to the doctor and: attendants at the Home in Christchurch where the treatment was given. I feel that in my case almost a miracle has been performed, and it is in the hope that, other nerve sufferers may be induced to try the treatment that I ask you to publish this. letter.

J. MARTIN

BUNT

(Greymouth).