ECT

1
ECT
Issy Jen
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AO1
Electroconvulsive Therapy is a controversial
psychiatric treatment in which seizures are
induced with electricity for therapeutic effect
through the Temporal Lobes. It can differ in its
application in three ways electrode placement,
length of time that the stimulus is given, and
the property of the stimulus. ECT is most often
used as a treatment for severe major depression
which has not responded to other treatment.
Side-effects include confusion and memory loss
for events around the time period of treatment.
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AO2
Milo et al 2001
After ECT treatment blood flow to the frontal
lobe was increased (where emotions are), also
suicidal thoughts seemed to decrease. Suggesting
depression is a problem with the frontal lobes
and blood flow.
Janicak et al 1985
80 of all severely depressed patients responded
well to ECT compared to 64 given drug therapy.
However, Sackheim et al 1993 found that there was
a high relapse rate within a year, suggesting
that relief was temporary and not a cure.
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AO2
Unethical
nobody truly knows how it works Can affect
short term memory