Max, age 35, is severely depressed. Because of this, he is given electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). After treatment, he is sent home and does much better. However, his TV-watching behavior is strange. Which is the most likely behavior pattern?
A) Max does not remember that he has a TV.
B) Max does not remember any episodes of shows going back 25 years.
C) Max thinks that last year's episodes of his favorite series are new.
D) Max can no longer understand long sentences if they occur in the dialogue.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of cognitive side effects of ECT, specifically memory loss and confusion. Option C describes a type of memory loss called confabulation, where the patient creates false memories to fill in gaps in their memory. Option A is unlikely because forgetting that he has a TV would be a very severe memory loss. Option B is unlikely because it is unlikely that ECT would affect such distant memories. Option D is unlikely because understanding long sentences is not typically affected by ECT.

Max, Age 35, Is Severely Depressed