Topic 2 - Biological Treatment of One Specific Disorder - Brain Stimulation

Question 1

What are brain stimulation treatments aimed at?

Answer 1

Resetting the brain

Question 2

What is ECT?

Answer 2

Electro-convulsive therapy

Question 3

What happens in ECT?

Answer 3

A patient has electrodes placed on their temples; an electric shock is then passed into their brain.

Question 4

What is the aim of ECT?

Answer 4

To trigger an epileptic seizure in an attempt to ‘jump- start’ the entire brain and relive the symptoms of a mental health disorder such as depression or a psychotic episode.

Question 5

What condition is the patient in when getting ECT?

Answer 5

They have to be under anaesthetic

Question 6

What is TMS?

Answer 6

Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Question 7

What happens in TMS?

Answer 7

An electromagnetic coil is held against the patient’s head, near the temple and an electric current creates a magnetic field that travels through the skull

Question 8

What is TMS used for?

Answer 8

Used as a treatment for depression

Question 9

Where is TMS targeted?

Answer 9

At the prefrontal cortex

Question 10

What is the aim of TMS?

Answer 10

To create small electrical currents in the brain that spread to underlying deeper areas of the brain involved in emotion relation and to normalise neural networks.

Question 11

What condition is the patient in when getting TMS?

Answer 11

Patient remains alert and awake during treatment