Insulin shock therapy
Insulin Shock Therapy
Introduction
Insulin Shock Therapy, also known as insulin coma therapy, is a form of psychiatric treatment in which insulin is used to induce a state of hypoglycemia leading to convulsions and coma. Developed in the 1930s, this therapy was primarily used for the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders before the advent of modern antipsychotic medications.
Historical Context
Insulin shock therapy was introduced by the Austrian-American psychiatrist Manfred Sakel in the early 1930s. It gained popularity as a treatment for schizophrenia, particularly in the period before antipsychotic drugs became available in the 1950s.
Mechanism of Action
The therapy involves the administration of large doses of insulin to lower blood sugar levels, leading to hypoglycemia. This hypoglycemic state was believed to induce seizures and coma, which were thought to have therapeutic effects on psychiatric conditions.
Procedure
The procedure involved:
- Daily injections of insulin to induce a controlled coma.
- Patients being closely monitored for signs of hypoglycemia.
- Termination of the insulin-induced coma by administering glucose.
Efficacy and Controversy
While some reports in the mid-20th century claimed benefits of insulin shock therapy, its efficacy has been highly controversial. Lack of controlled studies and understanding of its mechanism made its benefits dubious. The therapy also had significant risks, including brain damage and death.
Decline and Discontinuation
With the development of effective antipsychotic medications in the 1950s, insulin shock therapy saw a rapid decline in use. It was largely abandoned due to its high risk, ethical concerns, and the advent of safer, more effective treatments.
Legacy and Modern Perspective
Today, insulin shock therapy is considered an obsolete and controversial method in psychiatry. Its history is often cited in discussions of ethical standards in medical treatments.
See Also
References
External Links
Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.
W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:
- Most insurances accepted or discounted self-pay rates. We will obtain insurance prior authorizations if needed.
- Generic GLP1 weight loss injections from $125 for the starting dose.
- Also offer prescription weight loss medications including Phentermine, Qsymia, Diethylpropion, Contrave etc.
NYC weight loss doctor appointments
Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.
- Call 718-946-5500 to lose weight in NYC or for medical weight loss in Philadelphia 215-676-2334.
- Tags:NYC medical weight loss, Philadelphia lose weight Zepbound NYC, Budget GLP1 weight loss injections, Wegovy Philadelphia, Wegovy NYC, Philadelphia medical weight loss, Brookly weight loss and Wegovy NYC
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen