Brain's 'Background Noise' May Explain Value of Shock Therapy

Discover the surprising effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for major depressive disorder and the stigma surrounding it. Recent research suggests ECT works by balancing brain excitation and inhibition. The podcast dives into how ECT alters brain activity by boosting aperiodic background noise, potentially alleviating depressive symptoms. It also explores the promise of magnetic seizure therapy as a safer alternative, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to fully understand these complex treatments.