ECT – The Final Resort for Schizophrenics
ECT or electroconvulsive therapy is classically employed for treatment of acute depression. But, it could additionally be employed for treatment of other forms of mental ailments such as schizophrenia. During the course of the ECT procedure, an electric current is conducted to the brain via the scalp region for a brief period of time that tends to induce a seizure.
Uses of ECT
ECT is among the swiftest means to allaying signs of acute depression or in patients having suicidal tendencies or those patients ailing from manic tendencies or other kinds of mental ailments. ECT is usually employed as the final route when acute depression is impassive to other treatment options, or when such patients are posing an extreme danger to themselves or others around them and it would be detrimental to wait till the medications start taking effect.
ECT Procedure
Before commencing with the ECT procedure, the patient is put into deep slumber via the administration of general anesthesia and a muscle relaxant is administered. Electrodes are attached to the scalp of the patient and a diaphanously controlled electric current is passed through the scalp for a brief period of time leading to a seizure in the brain.
Due to the muscle relaxation, the seizure would generally be restricted to minor quivering or movement of the hands and feet. During the course of the treatment, careful monitoring of the patient is done. The patient wakes up after some minutes and would generally fail to recollect any part of the treatment or events encircling it. The patient is mostly in a state of bewilderment; however this phase would usually subside in a diminutive span of time. ECT is generally administered thrice a week spanning for 2-4 weeks period.
Psychotherapy and medicines prescribed by the psychiatrist are generally followed after a course of ECT.
The Infamous Dispute Encircling ECT
ECT continues to be widely misinterpreted by the general masses, though it has been employed from way back in the 1940s. Several risks and side effects have been associated with the mishandling of the apparatus, improper administration, and inadequately skilled staff. Also, the prevalent misunderstanding is that ECT is employed as a ‘speedy mend’ rather than the long-lasting therapy or hospital stay. Adverse depictions on screen, films, alongside falsification in news and media reporting have only fuelled the debate about this treatment. Factually, ECT is deemed safe and amongst the highly effectual treatment options obtainable for treating depression.
Making a Learned Choice Regarding ECT
Prior to considering ECT, one needs to delve deeper into all the accessible treatment choices pertaining to the condition with the doctor. In case ECT is suggested by the doctor, then one would obtain a comprehensive medical exam inclusive of the past, physical, neurological examination, cardiovascular tests or ECG and laboratory tests. The patient’s prescription history would also be meticulously examined and screened.
In case one is zeroing-in on ECT as a treatment choice, then one must be aware that it could offer short-term improvement, but has an increased recurrence rate. Several doctors’ counsel follow-up treatment that involves medications or ECT administered at less frequent intervals, known as the ‘maintenance ECT’. Interim memory loss is the chief side effect, though it generally subsides in about two weeks subsequent to the treatment.
It is crucial to be aware and well-informed regarding ECT and any kind of treatment before receiving it. One needs to enquire about the educational narrative or videos and having an open, direct discussion along with the doctor regarding the likely advantages and side effects.
Popularity: 1% [?]
