Effects Of Electroconvulsive Therapy On The Modern World
When thinking about modern medicine as part of mental health treatment, many fail to recognize or remember the important, effective role of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Most remember seeing the images of shock therapy being used in a painful, near-torture manner in dozens of Hollywood thrillers, but it actually has been shown to be incredibly effective in the treatment of many mental health disorders.
HOW DOES ECT WORK? ❖ In most cases, a licensed medical practitioner performs ECT in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. ❖ This enables the person receiving the treatment to experience the benefits of shock therapy. ❖ After the electrodes have been attached to the scalp, a small electric current will be passed through the brain, which results in a seizure. ❖ In most cases, the seizure lasts approximately 40 seconds.
WHAT DOES ECT TREAT? ❖ ECT has been proven to be successful in treating depression in those who do not respond to treatment with medications and psychotherapy. ❖ ECT is also used to treat depression in patients experiencing psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions. ❖ Furthermore, it can be an effective, safe alternative treatment for pregnant women enduring depression, as antidepressant medications can be dangerous to an unborn child. ❖ Some antidepressants have significant side effects for certain people and ECT is an alternative treatment to medications and psychotherapy.
RISKS OF ECT ❖ Unfortunately, the amount of electricity used often resulted in severe burns, and even death, which has given rise to the common fears about ECT treatment today. ❖ Some patients may experience slight confusion upon awakening from the procedure, headache, changes in blood pressure, slight memory loss, muscle fatigue, nausea or increased heart rate. ❖ Depending upon the severity of the coexisting medical condition, ECT may not be a safe solution for those with such medical conditions.
USE OF ECT TODAY ❖ CNN estimates that up to 100,000 Americans receive ECT in any given year ❖ The Food and Drug Administration monitors the sale of ECT machines, and the issue over whether to strengthen the regulations continues to evolve with each passing year. ❖ As more research and statistics on the safety of ECT are gathered around the globe, it will definitely be considered as one of the available options for an effective mental health treatment plan .
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