Electroconvulsive Therapy Research Paper

Electroconvulsive Therapy

Summary of Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is defined as a procedure that involves electrical currents passing through the brain and deliberately producing a seizure (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). ECT is often utilized for mental illnesses, such as depression, when other treatments are found to be ineffective. Often times ECT has a negative connotation of intentionally shocking a patient and causing pain while hoping that they will be cured based on early treatments. However, general anesthesia is now used and the side effects are usually minimal (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012).
Prior to undergoing ECT patients undergo an extensive exam, including past medical history,
a psychiatric and physical assessment, laboratory work, and an electrocardiogram (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). This is because while ECT is much safer with today’s technology, it still poses some risks. Risks can include memory loss, confusion, nausea/vomiting, headaches, jaw pain, or aggravation of any existing medical conditions (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). A signed consent is also required from the patient; if the patient is unable to give consent a close relative needs to sign over consent.
The procedure can take anywhere from five to ten minutes and can be performed as an outpatient procedure.
Agreeing to general anesthesia requires the patient to have diet restrictions prior to ECT and having intravenous (IV) access as well. A nurse will place electrode pads on the patient’s head where the electrical currents will travel through (Mayo). Nurse, anesthesiologists, and doctors will monitor the patient’s vital signs throughout the entire procedure to ensure continued safety. The seizure that is induced will be monitored by the increase in brain activity shown on an electroencephalogram (EEG) monitor (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). When the ECT is completed patients will be transferred to a recovery room where the patient will continue to be monitored. Patients also may wake up with mild confusion or memory loss that usually resolves the same
day.
Learning about more about ECT changed the stigma I had regarding this procedure. I originally thought it was more painful than helpful, but have come to find out that it can be extremely effective for those with severe depression or Bipolar disorder. Overall I believe ECT is a necessary tool to help those with mental illnesses and people should not be immediately apprehensive of utilizing this.
Article Review
The article entitled “I Feel Good, I Feel Alive” by Kitty Dukakis and Larry Tye is about Kitty’s personal experience undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) over a decade ago.
It opens with a description of the mental illnesses she had, including severe depression, and how after each treatment she felt better and better and was able to normalize her life. She seems to now have a more positive attitude. She does explain that she experiences the memory loss side effect from the treatments but has learned to cope with it in a constructive way and states that the positive outcomes far outweigh the negative (Dukakis & Tye,
2006). If ECT is an effective treatment method for those with mental illnesses, than it can improve the quality of life these people have. Memory loss is the most common side effect, and patients have to decide for themselves whether ECT is beneficial. ECT is usually continued for up to twelve weeks; however, maintenance ECT may also help to decrease the likelihood of reverting back to deep depression.
References
Dukakis, K. & Tye, L. (2006, September 16). I feel good, I feel alive. Newsweek, 62. Retrieved from http://www.lexisnexis.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/lnacui2api/auth/checkbrowser.do;jsessionid=D130EED6CCD90D404B6279C2629CEFC6.ioAOAfwJa36eS5XE6Urg?ipcounter=1&cookieState=0&rand=0.9647518898431074&bhjs=1&bhqs=1
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2012, October 25). Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/electroconvulsive-therapy/MY00129/DSECTION=what-you-can-expect