Brain-Electroshocking or Antidepressants-Takin'?

Does "Requiem for a dream,” or “A clockwork orange” ring any bell? Well, they show effects of the ECT (Electroconvulsive therapy). It is basically a treatment in which seizures are electrically induced on anesthetized patients as a way of therapy. ECT has broken through science as a revolutionary and quick way of curing mental disorders such as depression, better than psychotropic medications. But, which is better?

Psychotropic medications or antidepressants are prescribed by a doctor to relieve some depression symptoms and to adjust the chemical balance of the brain. This is considered as a risk-low and secure way of treating a mental disorder such as low serotonin levels.

Although antidepressants like Prozac increase serotonin levels, it doesn’t mean that depression is caused by serotonin shortage. Actually, a 50% AD’s effectiveness is what has been proved so far (and slightly more effective than placebos).  

ECT procedure consists on a range of six-to-twelve treatments on a two-week period and is an “option” for patients who have had no success by trying antidepressants. Two IV’s of anesthesia and succinylcholine (to prevent bone breaking and muscle tension) are insurances of the well-being of the body after the seizure (but have been cases of bones broken and injures).

Furthermore, the concept of having electricity passing through your brain while tied to a gurney frightens even the most courageous guy.

Scientists know little about how antidepressants work and they don’t even know why electric stimulus to the brain has shown positive effects. So, which treatment would you readers choose?