Electroconvulsive therapy
Depression is a well known problem and can be tackled by medications, psychotherapy and exercise. But unfortunately some people do not respond to any form of treatment. At such times the patient can seek recourse from electroconvulsive therapy especially if suicidal tendencies that are not treatable by medicines exist.
The electroconvulsive therapy works by passing an electric current through the brain to produce controlled seizures. The current releases massive neurochemicals in the brain. A highly effective therapy would be able to reduce depression within a week or two after treatment. Follow up repetition of procedure is required to prevent the recurrence of depression and some opt for medicines to prevent a relapse.
The working of the procedure
ECT is administered in the morning prior to breakfast. Unlike the past, the modern day patient is first given an anesthesia and muscle relaxant. This prevents any experience of pain. Electrodes are applied to the scalp and electric current is passed which causes a seizure. The controlled seizures are induced for durations lasting 30 to 90 seconds at the most. The patient is awake after five minutes. Upon waking up the patient experiences a short term memory loss and confusion both of which get cleared quickly. Initially the treatment is given three times a week for a month. Medications are given as a follow up to prevent a relapse.
The treatment is quite effective and works not only for depression but also for cases of schizophrenia, severe depression, mania and suicidal tendencies. About 100000 people are given this treatment, most of them in the general hospital and the psychiatric ward.
Benefits of ECT
- It is quick treatment and provides fast relief whereas medications and therapy take years to provide symptomatic relief.
- Nearly 80% of the patients are relieved after taking this treatment.
Demerits of ECT
- Fear of ECT bringing in a long term memory loss is ever present.
- ECT has been proved to work effectively for only four weeks and not more.
- Relapse of symptoms occur in spite of medications.
Precautionary measures
- Complete tests are required. Lab tests, neurological and cardiac examinations should be conducted before beginning the treatment.
- The patient and the other family members should be given a clear cut detail of the procedure via videos, written material, discussions and written consents should be signed.
- It should be positively given under anesthesia. ECT should be given by a trained practitioner and the patient should be closely monitored.
ECT has become the most controversial form of treatment due to the reports of previous patients, its repeated misuse as a form of punishment, and the media’s version of its ill effects, all these together have made it the most unfavorable and least preferred from of treatment. Doctors are of the opinion that ECT must be given when all other lines of treatment fail.