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electroconvulsive therapy
e·lec·tro·con·vul·sive therapy E0074500 (ĭ-lĕk′trō-kən-vŭl′sĭv)n. Abbr. ECT Administration of electric current to the brain through electrodes placed on the head in order to induce seizure activity, used to treat certain psychiatric disorders, especially severe depression. Also called electroshock, electroshock therapy, shock therapy.electroconvulsive therapy (ɪˌlɛktrəʊkənˈvʌlsɪv) n (Psychiatry) med the treatment of certain psychotic conditions by passing an electric current through the brain to induce coma or convulsions. Abbreviation: ECT Also called: electroshock therapy See also shock therapye•lec′tro•con•vul′sive ther′apy (ɪˈlɛk troʊ kənˈvʌl sɪv, ɪˌlɛk-)
n. the application of electric current to the head in order to induce a seizure, used to treat serious mental illnesses. Abbr.: ECT Also called electroshock. [1945–50] Thesaurus| Noun | 1. |  electroconvulsive therapy - the administration of a strong electric current that passes through the brain to induce convulsions and comaECT, electroshock, electroshock therapyelectric healing, electrical healing, electrotherapy, galvanism - the therapeutic application of electricity to the body (as in the treatment of various forms of paralysis)shock therapy, shock treatment - treatment of certain psychotic states by the administration of shocks that are followed by convulsions |
Translationselectroconvulsive therapy
electroconvulsive therapy in psychiatry, treatment of mood disorders by means of electricity; the broader term "shock therapy" also includes the use of chemical agents. The therapeutic possibilities of these treatments were discovered in the 1930s by Manfred Sakel, a Polish psychiatrist, using insulin; L. J. Meduna, an American psychiatrist, using Metrazol; and Ugo Cerletti and Lucio Bini, Italian psychiatrists, using electric shock. Metrazol and insulin accounted for a very limited number of remissions in cases of schizophrenia. However, the injection of insulin often caused coma, while Metrazol and electric shock resulted in convulsions similar to those of epileptics. Advances in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have made it the standard mechanism of shock therapy. ECT has had unquestionable success with involutional melancholia and other depressive disorders, although it may be ineffective or only temporarily effective. ECT is generally employed only after other therapies for depression, mania, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia have proven ineffective. The administration of anesthetics and muscle relaxants prior to ECT has greatly reduced the risk of injury during the procedure, which is typically administered six to eight times over a period of several weeks. The seizure lasts for up to 20 seconds, and the patient can be up and about in about an hour. Long-term memory loss is the main significant potential side effect; headache, muscle stiffness, and temporary short-term memory loss may occur. Why ECT works, however, is still not understood, but it may be due to changes in brain chemistry caused by procedure, such as neurotransmittersneurotransmitter,
chemical that transmits information across the junction (synapse) that separates one nerve cell (neuron) from another nerve cell or a muscle. Neurotransmitters are stored in the nerve cell's bulbous end (axon).
..... Click the link for more information. released in the brain, or to a reduction in brain activity in certain areas after the procedure. Bibliography See A. S. Hermreck and A. P. Thal, The Adrenergic Drugs and Their Use in Shock Therapy (1968); L. B. Kalinowsky and H. Hippius, Pharmacological, Convulsive, and other Somatic Treatments in Psychiatry (1969). electroconvulsive therapy[i¦lek·trō·kən¦vəl·səv ′ther·ə·pē] (psychology) The technique of eliciting convulsions by applying an electric current through the brain of a human or an experimental animal for a brief period by means of electrodes that are placed on the head; sometimes used as a treatment for severe mental depression. electroconvulsive therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy DefinitionElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment for severe mental illness in which a small, carefully controlled amount of electricity is introduced into the brain. This electrical stimulation, used in conjunction with anesthesia and muscle relaxant medications, produces a mild generalized seizure or convulsion. While used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders, it is most effective in the treatment of severe depression, and provides the most rapid relief currently available for this illness.PurposeThe purpose of electroconvulsive therapy is to provide relief from the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses such as severe depression, mania, and schizophrenia. ECT is indicated when patients need rapid improvement because they are suicidal, self-injurious, refuse to eat or drink, cannot or will not take medication as prescribed, or present some other danger to themselves. Antidepressant medications, while effective in many cases, may take two-six weeks to produce a therapeutic effect. Antipsychotic medications used to treat mania and schizophrenia have many uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous side effects, limiting their use. In addition, some patients develop allergies and therefore are unable to take their medicine.PrecautionsThe most common risks associated with ECT are disturbances in heart rhythm. Broken or dislocated bones occur very rarely.DescriptionThe treatment of severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, using electroconvulsive therapy was introduced in 1938 by two Italian doctors named Cerletti and Bini. In those days many doctors believed that convulsions were incompatible with schizophrenia since, according to their obervations, this disease rarely occurred in individuals suffering from epilepsy. They concluded, therefore, that if convulsions could be artifically produced in patients with schizophrenia, the illness could be cured. Some doctors were already using a variety of chemicals to produce seizures, but many of their patients died or suffered severe injuries because the strength of the convulsions could not be well controlled.Electroconvulsive therapy is among the most controversial of all procedures used to treat mental illness. When it was first introduced, many people were frightened simply because it was called "shock treatment." Many assumed the procedure would be painful, others thought it was a form of electrocution, and still others believed it would cause brain damage. Unfortunately, unfavorable publicity in newspapers, magazines, and movies added to these fears.Indeed, in those early years, patients and families were rarely educated by doctors and nurses regarding this or other forms of psychiatric treatment. In addition, no anesthesia or muscle relaxants were used. As a result, patients had violent seizures, and even though they did not remember them, the procedure itself was frightening.The way these treatments are given today is very different from the procedures used in the past. Currently, ECT is offered on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Hospitals have specially equipped rooms with oxygen, suction, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in order to deal with the rare emergency.The treatment is carried out as follows: approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled treatment time, the patient may receive an injection of a medication (such as atropine) that keeps the pulse rate from decreasing too much during the convulsion. Next, the patient is placed on a cot and hooked up to a machine that automatically takes and displays vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure) on a television-like monitor. A mild anesthetic is then injected into a vein, followed by a medication (such a Anectine) that relaxes all of the muscles in the body so that the seizure is mild, and the risk of broken bones is virtually eliminated.When the patient is both relaxed and asleep, an airway is placed in the mouth to aid with breathing. Electrodes are placed on the sides of the head in the temple areas. An electric current is passed through the brain by means of a machine specifically designed for this purpose. The usual dose of electricity is 70-150 volts for 0.1-0.5 seconds. In the first stage of the seizure (tonic phase), the muscles in the body that have not been paralyzed by medication contract for a period of five to 15 seconds. This is followed by the second stage (clonic phase) that is characterized by twitching movements, usually visible only in the toes or in a non-paralyzed arm or leg. These are caused by alternating contraction and relaxation of these same muscles. This stage lasts approximately 10-60 seconds. The entire procedure, from beginning to end, lasts about 30 minutes.The total number of treatments a patient will receive depends upon many factors such as age, diagnosis, the history of illness, family support, and response to therapy. Patients with depression, for example, usually require six to 12 treatments. Treatments are usually administered every other day, three times a week.The electrodes may be placed on both sides of the head (bilateral) or one side (unilateral). While bilateral ECT appears to be somewhat more effective, unilateral ECT is preferred for individuals who experience prolonged confusion or forgetfulness following treatment. Many doctors begin treatment with unilateral ECT, then change to bilateral if the patient is not improving.Post-treatment confusion and forgetfulness are common, though disturbing symptoms associated with ECT. Doctors and nurses must be patient and supportive by providing patients with factual information about recovery. Elderly patients, for example, may become increasingly confused and forgetful as the treatments continue. These symptoms usually subside with time, but a small minority of patients state that they have never fully recovered from these effects.With the introduction of antipsychotics in the 1950s, the use of ECT became less frequent. These new medications provided relief for untold thousands of patients who suffered greatly from their illness. However, there are a number of side effects associated with these drugs, some of which are irreversible. Another drawback is that some medications do not produce a therapeutic effect for two—six weeks. During this time the patient may present a danger to himself or others. In addition, there are patients who do not respond to medicine or who have severe allergic reactions. For these individuals, ECT may be the only treatment that will help.PreparationPatients and relatives are prepared for ECT by being shown video tapes that explain both the procedure and the risks involved. The physician then answers any questions these individuals may have, and the patient is asked to sign an "Informed Consent Form." This gives the doctor and the hospital permission to administer the treatment.Once the form is signed, the doctor performs a complete physical examination, and orders a number of tests that can help identify any potential problem. These tests may include a chest x ray, an electrocardiogram (ECG), urinalysis, spinal x ray, brain wave (EEG), and complete blood count (CBC).Some medications, such as lithium and a type of antidepressant known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, should be discontinued for some time before treatment. Patients are instructed not to eat or drink for at least eight hours prior to the procedure in order to reduce the possibility of vomiting and choking.AftercareAfter the treatment, patients are moved to a recovery area. Vital signs are recorded every five minutes until the patient is fully awake, which may take 15-30 minutes. Some initial confusion may be present but usually disappears in a matter of minutes. There may be complaints of headache, muscle pain, or back pain. Such discomfort is quickly relieved by mild medications such as aspirin.RisksAdvanced medical technology has substantially reduced the complications associated with ECT. These include slow heart beat (bradycardia), rapid heart beat (tachycardia), memory loss, and confusion. Persons at high risk for ECT include those with recent heart attack, uncontrolled blood pressure, brain tumors, and previous spinal injuries.Normal resultsECT often produces dramatic improvement in the signs and symptoms of major depression, especially in elderly individuals, sometimes during the first week of treatment. While it is estimated that 50% of these patients will experience a future return of symptoms, the prognosis for each episode of illness is good. Mania also often responds well to treatment. The picture is not as bright for schizophrenia, which is more difficult to treat and is characterized by frequent relapses.A few patients are placed on maintenance ECT. This means they return to the hospital every one-two months, as needed, for an additional treatment. These individuals are thus able to keep their illness under control and lead a normal and productive life.ResourcesBooksStuart, Gail W., and Michele T. Laraia. Principles and Practice of Psychiatric Nursing. St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 1998.OrganizationsNational Institutes of Health. 5600 Fishers Lane. Room 7CO2, Rockville, MD 20857. (301) 496-4000. http://www.nih.gov.Key termsMania — A mood disorder in which a person experiences prolonged elation or irritability characterized by overactivity that can lead to exhaustion and medical emergencies.Relapse — A return of the signs and symptoms of an illness.Schizophrenia — A severe mental illness in which a person has difficulty distinguishing what is real from what is not real. It is often characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and withdrawal from people and social activities.electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) [e-lek″tro-kon-vul´siv] a treatment for mental disorders in which an electric current is used to produce convulsions. It is used primarily to treat depression" >depression or the depressive phase of bipolar disorder" >bipolar disorder; it has also been used to treat some forms of schizophrenia" >schizophrenia and acute mania" >mania. This method does not provide the patient with any insight; therefore antidepressants" >antidepressants are the treatment of first choice for depressed persons. However, those who do not respond to medication or are unable to take it often experience dramatic improvement after electroconvulsive therapy. Formerly called electroshock therapy.
The procedure begins with administration of an intravenous anesthetic such as methohexital or thiopental to induce general anesthesia and a muscle relaxant such as succinylcholine to prevent a peripheral seizure that could carry the risk of bodily injury. Electric current is then applied unilaterally to the brain through an electrode placed on the skull. The goal is to produce a seizure in the central nervous system without causing any of the frightening manifestations of a grand mal seizure; modern techniques using EEG recordings while administering ECT make this possible. Side effects occasionally include acute confusional state upon recovery from general anesthesia, which may last up to an hour. There may be a loss of memory, particularly of recent events. Basic principles of preoperative and postoperative nursing care apply.e·lec·tro·shock ther·a·py (ECT), a form of treatment of mental disorders in which convulsions are produced by the passage of an electric current through the brain. Synonym(s): convulsive therapy, electroconvulsive therapyelectroconvulsive therapy (ĭ-lĕk′trō-kən-vŭl′sĭv)n. Abbr. ECT Administration of electric current to the brain through electrodes placed on the head in order to induce seizure activity, used to treat certain psychiatric disorders, especially severe depression. Also called electroshock, electroshock therapy, shock therapy.electroconvulsive therapy Electroshock Psychiatry A therapy for mental disorders that consists in iatrogenic induction of generalized tonic-clonic seizures which, if of adequate duration, has an antidepressant effect Indications Refractory depression, need for rapid clinical response–inanition/starvation, psychosis, suicidality, Hx of previous response to ECT, non-affective psychotic disorders, manic episodes, bipolar disease–manic type, schizo-affective disorders, or catatonic schizophrenia; chronic disease requires longer therapy Complications 18%, usually minor; memory loss, ± permanent. See Major depressive episode, Vagus nerve stimulation. Cf Cranial electrotherapy stimulation, Lobotomy. e·lec·tro·shock ther·a·py (EST) (ĕ-lek'trō-shok' thār'ă-pē) A form of treatment of mental disorders in which convulsions are produced by the passage of an electric current through the brain.
Synonym(s): electroconvulsive therapy. electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) A means of inducing an epileptic fit by applying a short pulse of electric current to the brain. ECT is used to treat various psychiatric conditions and is usually performed under light general anaesthesia supplemented by a short-acting muscle relaxant drug. It is most useful in cases of serious depression and in some forms of acute SCHIZOPHRENIA. A systematic review and meta-analysis of many published reports of trials of ECT appeared in the Lancet in March 2003. This showed that ECT was an effective short-term treatment for depression and that it was probably more effective than drug treatment.e·lec·tro·shock ther·a·py(ECT) (ĕ-lek'trō-shok' thār'ă-pē) Form of treatment of mental disorders in which convulsions are produced by passage of an electric current through the brain.
Synonym(s): electroconvulsive therapy. Patient discussion about electroconvulsive therapyQ. What is the ECT method of treatment for depression? I have a friend who is suffering from major depression and is now about to start ECT treatment. What exactly is that?A. ECT is the electroshock therapy for treating severe depression that does not heal with medication trials. In this treatment, an electric shock is induced, in levels that are not by any means risking the patient’s life. It has been proven to be of great effectiveness in people with refractory depression (meaning that drugs no longer have a therapeutic effect) and is saved as a “last resort”. Q. What are the side effects of electroconvulsive therapy for depression? My sister is about to have electroconvulsive therapy for treating her severe depression. Is this method safe to use? What are the side effects?A. Known side effects of ECT include mainly short-term memory loss, disorientation and headaches. Other adverse effects are common, as are long-term memory and other neurocognitive deficits, which may persist. The American Psychiatric Association and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence have concluded that the evidence they had suggested that the procedure, when administered according to their standards and without complications, does not cause brain damage in adults. Q. HOW CAN ENERGIES AFFECT THE HEALING OF THE BODY?CHI, ELOPTIC, YOU'R SEVEN SHOCKERS ECT POSITIVE OR NEGITIVE? ENERGIES WE EXPRESS AND RECIEVE TO AND FROM OTHERSA. Chinese medicine and alternatives should be approached with caution, but that said, a modality that has been around for over 3,000 years must have benefits. The practitioner may possibly be a bit more suspect. Then again, nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you haven’t any experience with it, how can one have a legitimate opinion?
Remember, a hundred years ago, our very own “Doctors” cured with leaches and such… it wasn’t until they pooled their resources together and lobbied the government for the right to the name of “Doctor or Medical Practitioner”. That’s it. No science, just lobbying the politicians….
More discussions about electroconvulsive therapyelectroconvulsive therapy
Synonyms for electroconvulsive therapynoun the administration of a strong electric current that passes through the brain to induce convulsions and comaSynonyms- ECT
- electroshock
- electroshock therapy
Related Words- electric healing
- electrical healing
- electrotherapy
- galvanism
- shock therapy
- shock treatment
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