Abstract Aim: Several studies have assessed the pros and cons about the usage of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) among psychiatric patients. This study assesses the pros and cons about the usage of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) among psychiatric patients diagnosed with major depression. Method: Explore studies comprised of analytical reviews of the literature on ECT, the aspects of ECT, and an enactment of the effectiveness of ECT in a movie titled “Helen.” Results: The studies revealed that ECT is an effective treatment for patients diagnosed with a major depression disorder. But, the most compelling factor derived from this study is ECT is administered as the last resort of treat for patients diagnosed with major depression. Conclusion: …show more content…
Doctors believe that the seizure activity may help the brain "rewire" itself, which helps relieve symptoms of depression. ECT is generally safe and effective. ECT is most often done in a hospital while patients are asleep and under general anesthesia (Mental Health of America). In the U.S. during the 1940’s and 50’s, the treatment was administered mostly to people with severe mental illnesses. Today, ECT is administered to an estimated 100,000 people a year, primarily in general hospital psychiatric units and in psychiatric hospitals. It is generally used in treating patients with severe depression, acute mania, and certain schizophrenic syndromes. Kaplan, Sadock and Grebb (1006) cited studies have indicated that major depressions with psychotic features are responsive to ECT in addition, to some suicidal patients, who cannot wait for antidepressant …show more content…
The electrical current lasts for only a few seconds and the seizure may last for up to a minute; typically, patients begin to see significant improvement after 2 or 3 treatments. Since medications sometimes take weeks to be effective, electroconvulsive therapy may be an ideal option if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a debilitating manic episode. ECT often works when other treatments have failed. There are times when talk therapy and medication are simply ineffective. Medical professionals may use electroconvulsive therapy for hard-to-treat cases of several psychiatric disorders. ECT works for those who can’t or won’t take medication. If patients can’t tolerate their medication’s side effects or have episodes (psychotic or manic) in which you refuse to take prescription drugs (paranoia), ECT may help. Instead of taking medications every day or every few hours, you’ll visit a medical facility several times a