Electroconvulsive therapy for severe mental illness
Electroconvulsive
therapy (ECT) is given to patients suffering from severe psychiatric disorder. ECT
is applied to treat patients who grip in following mental syndrome:
-Severe depression,
mainly when accompanied by detachment from reality (psychosis). Patients
develop a desire to commit suicide or refusal to eat.
-Treatment-resistant
depression, a severe depression that cannot be treated with medications or
other treatments.
-Severe mania, a
state of intense euphoria, agitation or hyperactivity that occurs as part of
bipolar disorder.
-Catatonia in which
there is a strange movements, lack of speech, and other symptoms. It's related
with schizophrenia.
-Agitation and
aggression in people with dementia, which can be difficult to treat.
In this therapy, a
procedure in which a brief application of electric stimulus is used to produce
a generalized seizure. Usually, this therapy is applied for treating patients
with severe depression, acute mania, and certain schizophrenic syndromes.
Electroconvulsive
therapy is most safe and effectual treatments available for patients of depression.
In Electroconvulsive therapy, electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp and
a finely controlled electric current is applied while the patient is under
general anaesthesia. The current leads to a brief seizure in the brain. With
Electroconvulsive therapy, Patients gets quick relieve. Electroconvulsive therapy is also given to
depressed patients who do not respond to psychiatric medication.
There are two major
types of Electroconvulsive therapies that include unilateral and bilateral. In
bilateral ECT, electrodes are placed on either side of head. The treatment
affects person’s entire brain. In unilateral ECT, one electrode is placed on
the top of head. The other is placed on right temple. This treatment affects
only the right side of brain.
There are some side
effects when applying ECT but these are mild. They can include headache or
muscle ache in the hours following treatment, confusion shortly after treatment,
nausea, usually shortly after a treatment, memory loss (short-term or long-term)
and rarely irregular heart rate. It is also stated in psychological reports
that Electroconvulsive therapy can be fatal but there are rare cases
Though, there is misconception
among people that Electroconvulsive therapy is vicious and damage brain but
this therapy is useful in relieving the symptoms of mental illness. Many people
consider that ECT could be a life-saver.
In treating chronic
psychiatric disorders, Electroconvulsive therapy is normally a last option. In
majority of cases, Electroconvulsive therapy helps patients with their symptoms.
Important: This article is developed through environmental information, and/ or personal view of writer. Writer is not responsible for any disagreement
Important: This article is developed through environmental information, and/ or personal view of writer. Writer is not responsible for any disagreement
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