When weighing electroshock treatment, one’s mind typically drifts to practices seen in popular films rather than curing depression, but studies going on right now are looking to change that. While all parties may not agree regarding the ethics of such treatments, the facts are in: 14% of patients recovered from depressions in the first trial and 30% in the second.

The big question is what to do next. Doctors can’t agree on how long treatment should last or what sorts of drugs to pair with treatment.