AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -ECT is among the safest and most effective treatments available for depression. With ECT, electrodes are placed on the patient’s scalp and a finely controlled electric current is applied while the patient is under general anesthesia. The current causes a brief seizure in the brain.

Detailed explanation-2: -Why it’s done. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can provide rapid, significant improvements in severe symptoms of several mental health conditions. ECT is used to treat: Severe depression, particularly when accompanied by detachment from reality (psychosis), a desire to commit suicide or refusal to eat.

Detailed explanation-3: -As for its safety and effectiveness, not only can ECT improve depressive symptoms, but its effects may be superior to those of classical psychotherapy and antidepressants in exclusively treatment-resistant depression.

Detailed explanation-4: -ECT continually is found to have the fastest results in the treatment of severe mental health disorders, whereas medications and other therapies can take weeks to see any results. Another benefit of ECT is that it may be a treatment alternative for those who cannot utilize other medications or therapies.