ECT Treatment

Study Notes

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in Psychiatry

ECT can be bilateral or unilateral, with bilateral being the most common, effective, and associated with more cognitive dysfunction.
ECT is indicated for severe depression, resistant depressive disorder, suicidal attempts, mania, acute catatonic schizophrenia, and schizoaffective psychosis.
Contraindications include increased intracranial pressure, severe cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, active bone disease or musculoskeletal injuries, and severe anxiety disorders.
The number of treatments varies by case, with an average of 6-10 treatments, and treatments are usually administered three times per week, not exceeding 25 times per episode.
The exact mechanism of action of ECT is unknown, but it is believed to affect neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
ECT theories of action include punishment, life-threatening experience, release of aggressive impulses, minimal brain damage, and compensation for malfunctioning electric circuits in the brain.
The phases of ECT include the cry phase, tonic phase, clonic phase, and recovery phase.
The ECT team includes a psychiatrist, anesthesiologist, trained nurses, nurse aids, and an ECT assistant.
The nurse's role in ECT includes pre-ECT care such as obtaining informed consent, completing physical exams and tests, reducing patient anxiety, and preparing necessary equipment and medication.
During ECT, the nurse's role includes reassurance and support, drug administration, preventing falls or fractures, and post-seizure care.
Side effects of ECT include headache, confusion, and temporary memory loss, while complications or risks may include brain damage, permanent memory loss, confusion, fracture, and rare instances of death.
Ethical considerations in ECT include using the minimum number of treatments necessary, avoiding allowing patients to see or hear others receiving ECT, and avoiding considering ECT as a form of punishment.

Description

"ECT Treatment: Bilateral vs Unilateral - Which is Better?" Take this quiz to test your knowledge on the two types of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), bilateral and unilateral. Learn about their differences in effectiveness, cognitive impact, and indications for treatment in severe depression. Use keywords like ECT, major depression, cognitive dysfunction, and electrode placement to attract quiz takers interested in mental health treatments.