Over the years several changes have occurred in electroconvulsive therapy. Because you have seen movies such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest you are reluctant to give consent for such treatment for your uncle who the court has declared unable to make the decision for himself. You express your concerns to the chief psychiatrist. What will you be told that will allay your fears?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The option C is the correct answer as it mentions the changes that have occurred in electroconvulsive therapy over the years which include a lower electrical pulse and bifrontal placement, which results in little effect on memory. This will help allay fears about the treatment. Option A is partially correct but does not mention the change in the electrical pulse or bifrontal placement. Option B is incorrect as there are still some side effects of electroconvulsive therapy. Option D is incorrect as the use of antidepressants prior to ECT is not universally applied nor does it make the treatment safer or work more quickly.

Over the Years Several Changes Have Occurred in Electroconvulsive Therapy