Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

?

Biological Therapies- ECT

  • ECT is generally used in severely depressed patients when psychotherapy and medication has proved ineffective.
  • It is often used when there is a risk of suicide because it often has much quicker effects than anti-depressant drugs.
  • There are 5 steps to the therapy
  • Firstly, electrodes are placed on the head. One above the temple of the non-dominant side of the brain, and a second in the middle of the forehead (unilateral). Alternatively, one electrode is placed above each temple (bilateral).
  • Then the patient is injected with a short-acting barbituate so they are unconcious before the electric shock is administered.
  • They are then given a nerve blocking agent in order to paralyse the muscles of the body so they do not contract

Comments

Ryan Ellis

Report

A lot of information to read through and to get those vital marks!

Thegirlwhoknewtoomuch - Team GR

Report

very helpful thanks

Brynn

Report

great help thankyouuu