Abnormality - Biological Therapies Flashcards
What does ECT stand for?
Electro-convulsive therapy
What are the uses of ECT?
Originally developed to treat schizophrenia but now used to treat depression
Used more frequently in schizophrenia if patient a risk to themselves or others
What is the aim of ECT?
There is abnormal activity of neurotransmitters and or hormones
Exact mechanism is unclear
The shock disrupts/corrects this abnormal neurotransmitter activity in the brain
What is the process of ECT?
Small electric current - 70-130MV
For 0.5-5 seconds
Induces a mini-seizure by producing electrical convulsions in brain
Several sessions over a number of weeks
Anaesthetic and muscle relaxants are administered before shock
In to the brain via electrodes
Either 1 on one side or 2 on both sides
What does bilaterally mean?
One electrode on each side
What does unilaterally mean?
One electrode on one side
When given like this it is usually on the non-dominant cerebral hemisphere
What did the Cochrane review (2009) show about the effectiveness of ECT on schizophrenia patients?
Meta analysis of 26 studies - 798 ppts
Randomised control clinical trials
More patients improved with real ECT than sham ECT
ECT resulted in fewer relapses in the ST
No evidence of maintenance of this
What did Sackheim find out about the effectiveness of ECT on schizophrenia patients?
60-70% of schizophrenic patients improved after ECT
These were relatively short term about 60% relapsed within the first year
What did Kho et al discover about the effectiveness of ECT on depression patients?
Meta analysis
ECT more effective than sham ECT and dug treatments for severe depression
Can reduce risk of suicide in patients with severe depression
Is ECT an appropriate treatment?
Can effect memory - disorientation
Previous side effects have been prevented - broken bones from fits
Last resort
