A01 biological therapies electro convulsive therapy ect

Question 1

When should ect be used

Answer 1

Only in severe situations where no other treatment works

Question 2

How does ect work

4 points

Answer 2

Electrode places on tempke of the non dominant side of the brain and a second in the middle of the forehead

Patient made unconscious and given a nerve blocking agent to paralyse the muscle to prevent any fractures as a reaction to the shock administered

Small amount of electric current lasting 0.5 seconds is passed through the brain which produces a seizure lasting about a minute and effects entire brain

Ect usually given 3x a week

Question 3

Why does ect work

Answer 3

We aren’t close to understanding why it works

We just know it causes changes in the way the brain works

Ect alters the way the neurotransmitters are acting in the brain and so helps bring about a recovery