Electroconvulsive therapy, or shock therapy, is one of the ways of treatment of psychiatric disorders, in which electric currents are passed through the brain which lead to convulsions or fits. It’s a very old form of treatment. It is used in severe cases of depression, schizophrenia or catatonia. In many movies, it’s been shown that ECT is very dangerous and cause lot of side effects, but in reality it is a lifesaving and very effective treatment. Although its use has decreased In recent times, But still it is one of the best treatment for many severe psychiatric illnesses.
Q. What is ECT or electroconvulsive therapy?
Ans – Electroconvulsive therapy, also known as shock therapy, is one of the ways of treatment of psychiatric disorders. It is extremely effective way of treating severe mental health disorders such as Severe depression With suicidal tendencies, Resistant cases of schizophrenia, Resistant cases of bipolar mania, And many other psychiatric illnesses in which Medicine alone is not giving adequate results. In Electroconvulsive therapy. The patient is given a light dose of anesthesia And muscle relaxants, After which, Very brief and small amount of electric Current is passed through his brain. After this, the patient starts having Epileptic convulsions or fits. After reading this or hearing about this, you must be feeling that it is a very dangerous method of treatment. But in reality, ECT is one of the safest and most effective ways of treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Q. What is the mechanism of action of electroconvulsive therapy?
Ans – The exact mechanism of action of electroconvulsive therapy is not known. But as per various studies, it is seen that it Create some changes in certain areas of brain. Also, It changes level of view of the chemicals, like neuropeptides, neurotrophic factors or neurotransmitters. As per one of the hyper connectivity hypothesis, It was postulated that in depression left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex the connectivity is increased and ECT helps to reduce this connectivity. ECT also helps in increasing Brain derived neurotrophic factor. Apart from all this, it also helps in maintaining the levels of Dopamine, serotonin and thus helps in treatment of various psychiatric disorders.
Q. In what psychiatric conditions ECT is used?
Ans – ECT is one of the wonderful ways and most effective ways of treatment in many psychiatric disorders. Especially in cases of suicidal tendencies, in severe depressive patients, it is one of the best treatment available. In cases of schizophrenia or bipolar mania, if the patient is very aggressive. And is threat to himself or others Electroconvulsive therapy is used for quick relief. Also in severe psychiatric disorders, if after a long duration of medical treatment the Patient is not improving as expected, We can take the help of electroconvulsive therapy.
Q. Is electroconvulsive therapy safe? What are the side effects of electroconvulsive therapy?
Ans – It is absolutely safe, but unfortunately in many movies it is shown as one of the dangerous method of treatment. But in reality, ECT is a very safe method of treatment. Still view of the side effects seen after electroconvulsive therapy sessions are , Forgetfulness, Which we call as amnesia which is Reversible. It has been seen that the memory problems Although very common but Recover within few weeks, to months. Apart from this headache, muscle ache Can be caused by electroconvulsive therapy, But as These days, only modified ECT is given, In which the patient, Is given anesthesia as well as muscle relaxants, These Issues are very rarely seen.
Q. Is electroconvulsive therapy legal?
Ans – Yes, electroconvulsive therapy is absolutely legal .As per the mental Health Care Act 2017 ECT should be used in emergency situations, Such as Severe depression with suicidal ideations, ECT has proved to be lifesaving. In case of children suffering from any mental health issues, Electroconvulsive therapy can be given after a proper review of the case by board members. As per the mental Health Care Act 2017, ECT should be given only after administration of anaesthesia and muscle relaxants, Which is known as modified ECT. This makes it one of the most safest and effective ways of treatment in psychiatric disorders.