Question 1

what is electroconvulsive therapy?

Accepted Answer

Resetting brain: Ect is a controlled therapy in which electrical shocks are introduced into both temples to "reset' the brain.  A brief seizure is induced to reset the brain.  The hope is that the neurotransmitters in the brain will be released in the right ratios to "fix" depression.

Question 2

is electroconvulsive therapy effective?

Accepted Answer

In severe cases: Electroshock therapy is considered as a last ditch treatment for severe depression.  It is still available in special centers, but is highly regulated.  When done properly, it can have remarkable benefit.  If done poorly, is a major problem.  Refer to one flew over the cuckoo's nest!

Question 3

are there risks of electroconvulsive therapy?

Accepted Answer

Several risks: Anesthesia carries a risk including allergy and cardiac arrest but no more so than any other procedure.  Ect risks include headache, short term disorientation, and memory  impairment. This may be mitigated by electrode placement. Right unilateral has very little memory impairment & recovery is quicker.  Some degree of memory loss is common with bilateral placement & may be significant.

Question 4

is there an ethics of electroconvulsive therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Every physician takes an oath: "first, do no harm".  Ect is traditionally reserved for the most severe and intractable forms of psychiatric illness and is most effective in treating depression.  Patients with certain medical conditions are excluded (including heart problems among others) and every patient is given informed consent where the benefits and risks of treatment are explained.

Question 5

what are the benefits of electroconvulsive therapy?

Accepted Answer

Symptom relief: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has improved significantly since its initial development in 1938. It is considered safe and effective, according the the national institute of mental health.  The procedure is not painful and patients do not feel any discomfort. The benefits: likely remission of severe depression or other symptoms, and reduced relapse with follow-up treatments.

Question 6

what is the experience of electroconvulsive therapy?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Ect treats depression - about 60% of those who receive treatment are not depressed at the end of treatment.  During the procedure, patient's are put to sleep and paralyzed for about 5 minutes. During this time, an electrical signal causes a seizure which lasts from 20 sec to 2 min. Upon waking, there is some disorientation lasting up to 15 to 30min. Memory loss depends on electrode placement.

Question 7

what is electroconvulsive therapy? how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Electroconvulsive Tx: Electroconvulsive Therapy uses electrical current to change brain chemistry through  seizure activity to treat mood disorders.

Question 8

what are the usual effects of electroconvulsive therapy?

Accepted Answer

Positive & Negative: Ect is reserved for the most severe cases.  ~ 60% will go into remission, ~20% will respond some, & ~20% will not improve.  50% will relapse in 6mos.  Most common immediate side effect is headache.  Memory impairment is the most serious side effect but is mitigated by electrode placement.  Right unilateral (RUL) is as effective as traditional bilateral placement, but memory is much less affected.

Question 9

after electroconvulsive therapy can he tell me his experience?

Accepted Answer

No: Ect is administered under anesthesia.  The person is "asleep" at the time and cannot later report what the actual ECT was like.  Also, ECT produces a grand mal seizure, so even without anesthesia, the person would not be conscious at the time.  Of course, the person who received ECT could tell about his experience just before and after the treatment itself, and may appreciate your interest.

Question 10

which kind of memory is disrupted by electroconvulsive therapy?

Accepted Answer

Short term memory.: Electroconvulsive therapy for depression has been given a scary reputation in movies, but it is actually an effective therapy which is appropriate in some cases of severe depression.  Patients frequently have some memory loss surrounding the time of the procedure, and those memories are not recovered.  However, electroconvulsive therapy is not thought to produce progressive memory loss.

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Which kind of memory is disrupted by electroconvulsive therapy?

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