Electroconvulsive therapy

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Electroconvulsive therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (pronunciation: /ɪˌlɛktroʊkənˈvʌlsɪv ˈθɛrəpi/), often referred to as ECT, is a medical treatment most commonly used in patients with severe major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder that has not responded to other treatments. ECT involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia.

Etymology

The term "electroconvulsive therapy" is derived from the Greek words "electron" (meaning amber, from which the word electricity is derived), "convulsive" (from the Latin "convellere", meaning to pull together), and "therapy" (from the Greek "therapeia", meaning healing).

Procedure

ECT is administered under general anesthesia, with a muscle relaxant. Electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp and a finely controlled electric current is applied. This current causes a brief seizure in the brain. ECT is one of the fastest ways to relieve symptoms in severely depressed or suicidal patients. It's also very effective for patients who suffer from mania or other mental illnesses.

Related Terms

  • Anesthesia: A state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness that is induced for medical purposes.
  • Depression: A mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.
  • Bipolar disorder: A disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.
  • Seizure: A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.

Risks and Side Effects

Like any medical procedure, ECT has potential risks and side effects. These may include confusion and memory loss. Although these effects are usually temporary, they can sometimes linger.

History

ECT was first introduced in the 1930s and was used widely for a variety of conditions. It gained a negative reputation due to early misuse and the severe side effects of the high electricity doses used at the time. However, modern ECT uses lower electricity doses, and many of the side effects have been reduced or eliminated.

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