Comparing Two Different Types Of Shock Therapy (ECT)
Information: ECT, previously known as shock therapy, is a method for treating certain mental or emotional conditions by stimulating the brain electrically in order to produce a cerebral seizure. The procedure is carried out by doctors and nurses while the patient is fully asleep under general anesthesia.
Description of the Procedure: While the patient is laying on a stretcher, a needle is placed in a vein and an anesthetic medication is injected. After the patient is asleep, a muscle relaxing medication is then given through the same needle, and the patient si given pure oxygen through a mask. When the patient’s muscle are relaxed, an electrical stimulus is briefly applied to the scalp in order to stimulate the brain into a period of intense, rhythmical, electrical activity. This seizure lasts 1 or 2 minutes and is accompanied by mild contractions of the muscles. When the seizure is over, the patient is taken to a recovery area …show more content…
The advantages and disadvantages of alternate therapies will be discussed with you by your doctor.
Right to Withdraw Consent: Even though a patient voluntarily signs an agreement to receive ECT, he may withdraw his consent at any times, even before the first treatment is given. Withdrawal of consent for ECT does not in any way prejudice the patient’s continued treatment with the best alternative methods available.
Risks of Not Having Electroconvulsive Therapy as Recommended: It is possible that ECT may be more effective for your condition than any other available treatments, and that if you choose not to accept your doctor’s recommendation to have ECT, you might experience a longer or more severe period of illness and disability. Medication and other therapies have their own risks and complications and may not be safer than
Description of the Procedure: While the patient is laying on a stretcher, a needle is placed in a vein and an anesthetic medication is injected. After the patient is asleep, a muscle relaxing medication is then given through the same needle, and the patient si given pure oxygen through a mask. When the patient’s muscle are relaxed, an electrical stimulus is briefly applied to the scalp in order to stimulate the brain into a period of intense, rhythmical, electrical activity. This seizure lasts 1 or 2 minutes and is accompanied by mild contractions of the muscles. When the seizure is over, the patient is taken to a recovery area …show more content…
The advantages and disadvantages of alternate therapies will be discussed with you by your doctor.
Right to Withdraw Consent: Even though a patient voluntarily signs an agreement to receive ECT, he may withdraw his consent at any times, even before the first treatment is given. Withdrawal of consent for ECT does not in any way prejudice the patient’s continued treatment with the best alternative methods available.
Risks of Not Having Electroconvulsive Therapy as Recommended: It is possible that ECT may be more effective for your condition than any other available treatments, and that if you choose not to accept your doctor’s recommendation to have ECT, you might experience a longer or more severe period of illness and disability. Medication and other therapies have their own risks and complications and may not be safer than