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Article Abstract

From our regular book review column.

The oldest current somatic treatment for psychiatric illnesses,
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is potent and yet controversial.
Simultaneously, for patients with severe depressive
illnesses and their families, it may be the most lifesaving and
the most frightening option. For Dr. Fink, after fifty-plus years
of study, the last dilemma lies in obstacles to universal accessibility.