However, many treatments today have changed over the years, with some therapies now being tied to misconceptions and myths. One such example is ECT, a medical procedure applied for the treatment of serious psychological disorders. Quite effective, this effectiveness has been long interpreted along with very many errors such as fear and stigma. The myths and facts about ECT and how they impact mental health would be discussed comprehensively in this article.
What is Electroconvulsive Therapy?
In fact, Electroconvulsive Therapy is a medical treatment mostly to bring people with severe mental illness when everything else has failed. In this case, applying such tiny currents to the brain triggers a short seizure in the process. The results of the procedure are a change in brain chemistry, immediate relief from any patient suffering from severe depression, bipolar disturbance, or schizophrenia.
ECT is performed under general anesthesia so that the patient remains unconscious and free of pain during treatment. The patient, therefore, does not move, and a muscle relaxant is administered for that purpose. The overall procedure, therefore, entails a number of sessions spread over several weeks depending on what the patient requires.
Myths and Facts About ECT Treatment
Even though ECT treatment It has been used for several decades, therapy spa treatment techniques have advanced and course methods are still misunderstood. Let us demystify the myth-fact relationship.
Myth 1: ECT is Painful and Dangerous
Fact: ECT is conducted under general anesthesia so there would be no associated pain. Advances in medical technology and related improvements have made ECT much safer for its patients with complications dropping at rates lower than those of previous decades. The most common side effects are usually brief confusions and memory disorders, which typically take care of themselves with time.
Myth 2: ECT Used As a Last Resort
Fact: ECT is very often used when medications and psychotherapy have failed, but it does not always end up that way. There are some cases in which the doctor would refer for ECT early in the treatment, especially in patients who have severe manifestations or are otherwise likely to commit self-harm.
Myth 3: ECT Yields Permanent Memory Loss
Fact: Memory loss, while a possible side effect, is normally temporary. Some patients will find themselves having trouble remembering things that happened around treatment time, yet long-term memory is generally unaffected. Each patient is monitored very carefully by the doctors concerned to reduce such risks.
Myth 4: ECT is Just Like the Electroshock Therapy from the Olden Days
Fact: Today’s modern ECT is far superior to what was termed electroshock therapy several decades ago. ECT today is done in a controlled medical environment and is comprehensively safety protocol-based. The outdated ECT portrayal in movies and media does not correlate with how ECT is applied in clinical settings today.
Electroconvulsive Effects on Depression
One of the areas where electroconvulsive therapy is most extensively documented is with reference to its use in very severe depression. ECT for depression is a lifesaving option for people who are completely resistant to antidepressants and psychotherapy, studies confirming that ECT has a high success rate-thus most of them testify to having had significant improvements of both mood and overall mental health.
ECT therapy improves treatment-resistant depression, suicidal thought on the severe end, or psychotic depression. A few sessions are often required to provide fast relief, hence making it an invaluable intervention in a crisis-in stark contrast to medications that might take weeks to indicate results.
The Effects of ECT on Mental Health
It has, in fact, been shown through clinical studies that ECT may have remarkable impacts on nearly all aspects of mental health. In many instances, it has alleviated symptoms sufficiently that patients were willing to resume life as they understood it before treatment. ECT is known to:
- Rapidly relieve symptoms of severe depression and mood disorders
- Bring about a change in suicidal ideation
- Generate better daily functioning and social interactions
- Enhance the response of patients to other mental health treatments following ECT
Although it may not be a cure for mental illness, it sure can be an important part of a complete mental health treatment plan. Most times, it is combined with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes for long-term recovery.
What Exactly ECT Does?
Very little, if anything, is known about the working of ECT on relieving the symptoms of mental illnesses. However, it is rather believed that seizures induced during the process somehow reset the brain’s electro-chemical messaging system, perhaps improving mood regulation and cognitive function.
And totally during that time:
- Electrodes are placed on the scalp at precise positions.
- A small electrical current passes through the brain for a few seconds.
- The seizure thus induced will last approximately 30-60 seconds.
- All this, of course, is done with the monitoring of vital signs, ensuring safety.
Six and twelve are the typical number of treatments per course, two or three times a week for several weeks. Maintenance therapy might be required from time to time to prevent relapse.
Is ECT the Right Choice?
The decision to get ECT will be in consultation with a properly qualified psychiatrist. Not everyone is suitable to get the treatment and most doctors weigh the case on a subjective basis as to symptom severity, medical history, and possible risks.
If severe mental health problems are affecting your life or the life of a loved one, it will be wise to consider all possible treatment options. Of all treatments known to work well for severe mental illness, Therapy continues to be one of the most effective but carries a stigma evoked from past and false beliefs.
Conclusion
Electroconvulsive is an entirely safe, highly effective, and medically supervised treatment, which claims to have helped thousands regain control over their mental health. Myths and realities will probably be dispelled, and thus the stigma will diminish in regard to ECT and its role in modern psychiatric care. Those inquiring from the general public about ECT should seek consultation from a mental health professional on its benefits and risks.
The development of mental health treatment has been far-reaching, and with ECT, people continue to receive healthy and happy lives.
