Electro-convulsive therapy.

Date:
1939-46
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About this work

Description

This film demonstrates the use of electro-convulsive therapy (or ECT) on a number of subjects. This is probably one of the earliest clinical films made in the UK to demonstrate this equipment. The first patient is a woman; the equipment is prepared and applied. This is described in detail on the intertitles. The progress of the therapy is clearly seen; she is semi-clad and rigid as she experiences the force of the shock treatment. Her progress is noted five and ten minutes later. The fit is shown in slow-motion on a male patient; a gag is applied to his mouth to prevent him biting his tongue (this fit is quite violent and he launches himself from a prone to an upright position). The end.

Publication/Creation

1939-46.

Physical description

1 Digibeta (05:16 mins) : silent, black and white; PAL.
1 DVD (05:16 mins) : silent, black and white; PAL.

Notes

A copy of this film was made with permission by the Science Museum, London. The film was found at the Burden Neurological Institute and is presumed to date between 1940-45. However, former employees of the institute have verified that the footage was not shot there as the ECT machine was not one used in the institute (the nursing uniforms do appear to be British). The edge codes from the Eastman safety film suggest a range between 1939-46 (the film stock for the intertitles dates from 1939 and the footage 1946). More information about the Science Museum's holdings relating to the Burden Neurological Institute are https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/people/ap26521/the-burden-neurological-institute .

Creator/production credits

There are no production credits on this film.

Terms of use

Restricted.

Copyright note

Science Museum, London.

Type/Technique

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores
    5065D
  • Location Access
    Closed stores
    5065S

    Note

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