Hlectroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
since its first use in 1940s and 1950s by the Italian psychiatrist and neuropathologist Ugo Cerletti, Hlectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the most controversial treatment for psychiatric illness. Electroconvulsive therapy was introduced into psychiatry and over the years, the procedure of ECT has undergone modification (the use of anesthesia and muscle relaxant to limit convulsion) enabling it to become more acceptable to health. ECT applies electrical current through electrodes into the patient’s brain, resulting in 30- to 60-second seizures. Treatment is given three times a week and is an alternative to medications when the patient does not react positively to medication
Although severe major depression is the most common indication for ECT, this treatment also can be beneficial for acute psychosis resulting from a variety of causes, catatonia, mania, and even the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is largely ineffective against personality disorders, substance abuse syndromes, and chronic psychotic symptoms, particularly negative symptoms
Despite recent increases in the use of ECT and its effectiveness in the treatment of certain psychiatric illnesses, the procedure continues to elicit emotional responses from the public, medical, and nursing communities. Many of the risks and side effects have been related to the misuse of equipment, incorrect administration, and inadequately trained staff. There is also a misconception that ECT is used as a ‘quick fix’ instead of long-term therapy or hospitalization. Unfavorable news reports and media coverage have added to the controversy surrounding this treatment. ECT is generally safe and is one of the most effective treatments available for intractable depression
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective treatment options in severe psychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and drug resistant patients. Despite the evidence based effectiveness of this type of therapy in treating severe psychiatric disorders, there are many misconception and lack of knowledge among nurses who are typically at the forefront of providing care before, during and after the procedure. This technical procedure requiring an alert, highly skilled and knowledgeable nurses to provide appropriate performance and allay fears and anxiety of the patient and family by providing environment that encourage expression of feeling, thoughts, and fears regarding the procedure. Lack of knowledge and understanding of the nursing staff was the cause of tragic aspects of mental care in psychiatric institutions. It can affect their performance and produce negative attitudes toward ECT.
Aki O., Ak S., Sonmez Y., Demir B. (2013): Knowledge of and attitudes toward electroconvulsive therapy among medical students, psychology students and the general public. Journal of ECT; 29: p 45–50.
American Psychiatric Association (2004): The practice of electroconvulsive therapy: recommendations for treatment, training, and privileging, 2nd edition, Washington, DC.
Andrews M., Hasking P. (2004): Effect of two educational interventions on knowledge and attitudes towards Electroconvulsive therapy. Journal of ECT, 20(4): pp. 230–236.
Arkan B., Ustun B. (2008): Examination of the Effect of Education about Electroconvulsive Therapy on Nursing Practice and Patient Satisfaction. Journal of ECT, 24(4): pp. 254-259.
since its first use in 1940s and 1950s by the Italian psychiatrist and neuropathologist Ugo Cerletti, Hlectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the most controversial treatment for psychiatric illness. Electroconvulsive therapy was introduced into psychiatry and over the years, the procedure of ECT has undergone modification (the use of anesthesia and muscle relaxant to limit convulsion) enabling it to become more acceptable to health. ECT applies electrical current through electrodes into the patient’s brain, resulting in 30- to 60-second seizures. Treatment is given three times a week and is an alternative to medications when the patient does not react positively to medication
Although severe major depression is the most common indication for ECT, this treatment also can be beneficial for acute psychosis resulting from a variety of causes, catatonia, mania, and even the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is largely ineffective against personality disorders, substance abuse syndromes, and chronic psychotic symptoms, particularly negative symptoms
Despite recent increases in the use of ECT and its effectiveness in the treatment of certain psychiatric illnesses, the procedure continues to elicit emotional responses from the public, medical, and nursing communities. Many of the risks and side effects have been related to the misuse of equipment, incorrect administration, and inadequately trained staff. There is also a misconception that ECT is used as a ‘quick fix’ instead of long-term therapy or hospitalization. Unfavorable news reports and media coverage have added to the controversy surrounding this treatment. ECT is generally safe and is one of the most effective treatments available for intractable depression
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective treatment options in severe psychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and drug resistant patients. Despite the evidence based effectiveness of this type of therapy in treating severe psychiatric disorders, there are many misconception and lack of knowledge among nurses who are typically at the forefront of providing care before, during and after the procedure. This technical procedure requiring an alert, highly skilled and knowledgeable nurses to provide appropriate performance and allay fears and anxiety of the patient and family by providing environment that encourage expression of feeling, thoughts, and fears regarding the procedure. Lack of knowledge and understanding of the nursing staff was the cause of tragic aspects of mental care in psychiatric institutions. It can affect their performance and produce negative attitudes toward ECT.
Aki O., Ak S., Sonmez Y., Demir B. (2013): Knowledge of and attitudes toward electroconvulsive therapy among medical students, psychology students and the general public. Journal of ECT; 29: p 45–50.
American Psychiatric Association (2004): The practice of electroconvulsive therapy: recommendations for treatment, training, and privileging, 2nd edition, Washington, DC.
Andrews M., Hasking P. (2004): Effect of two educational interventions on knowledge and attitudes towards Electroconvulsive therapy. Journal of ECT, 20(4): pp. 230–236.
Arkan B., Ustun B. (2008): Examination of the Effect of Education about Electroconvulsive Therapy on Nursing Practice and Patient Satisfaction. Journal of ECT, 24(4): pp. 254-259.
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