Electroconvulsive Therapy

Definition

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure in which a brief, controlled electric current is passed through the brain to induce a seizure, with the goal of improving severe mental health conditions like major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. It is a treatment option for individuals who have not responded to other forms of therapy or medication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ECT is typically used as a treatment for severe, treatment-resistant depression, but it can also be effective for other mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder.
2. The procedure involves the administration of a brief, controlled electric current to the brain, which induces a brief seizure. This seizure is thought to trigger changes in brain chemistry that can alleviate the symptoms of mental health conditions.
3. ECT is usually administered in a series of treatments, with patients typically receiving 6 to 12 sessions over the course of several weeks or months.
4. The side effects of ECT can include temporary memory loss, confusion, and headaches, but these side effects are generally mild and tend to subside after the treatment is completed.
5. ECT is considered a safe and effective treatment option for individuals who have not responded to other forms of therapy or medication, and it is often used as a last resort for those with severe, life-threatening mental health conditions.

Review Questions

• Explain how electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used to treat mood disorders like major depression.
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure that involves the administration of a brief, controlled electric current to the brain, which induces a seizure. This seizure is thought to trigger changes in brain chemistry that can alleviate the symptoms of severe, treatment-resistant mood disorders, such as major depression. ECT is typically used as a last resort for individuals who have not responded to other forms of therapy or medication, and it is considered a safe and effective treatment option for those with severe, life-threatening mental health conditions.
• Describe how electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) fits into the broader context of mental health treatment, as discussed in the Intro to Psychology Study Guide 2024.
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the various treatment options available for individuals with mental health disorders, as discussed in the Intro to Psychology Study Guide 2024. ECT is often used as a last resort for individuals with severe, treatment-resistant conditions, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, when other forms of therapy or medication have not been effective. The use of ECT as a mental health treatment reflects the ongoing evolution of our understanding and approach to treating mental health conditions, as discussed in the study guide's sections on the history of mental health treatment and the types of available treatments.
• Analyze the potential benefits and risks of using electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a treatment for mood and related disorders, as discussed in the Intro to Psychology Study Guide 2024.
  • The Intro to Psychology Study Guide 2024 discusses the potential benefits and risks of using electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a treatment for mood and related disorders. On the positive side, ECT is considered a safe and effective treatment option for individuals with severe, treatment-resistant mental health conditions, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. ECT can trigger changes in brain chemistry that can alleviate the symptoms of these disorders, particularly when other forms of therapy or medication have not been effective. However, the guide also notes that ECT can have side effects, such as temporary memory loss and confusion, which must be weighed against the potential benefits of the treatment. Ultimately, the decision to use ECT as a treatment for mood and related disorders requires a careful consideration of the individual's specific circumstances and the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Related terms

Convulsion: A violent, uncontrolled contraction or series of contractions of the muscles.

Neuromodulation: The process of regulating the activity of the nervous system through the application of electrical or magnetic stimulation.

Psychopharmacology: The study of the effects of drugs on the mind and behavior, particularly the use of medication to treat mental health disorders.