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ECT

Somatic therapy, also known as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), involves inducing seizures in patients via electric currents to treat mental illnesses like depression. ECT is believed to correct chemical imbalances in the brain, though its exact mechanism is unclear. It can be used to treat conditions such as major depression, mania, schizophrenia, and postpartum psychosis. A modern ECT session involves anesthesia, muscle relaxants, and electrodes placed on the head to deliver electric pulses and induce seizures lasting 30-60 seconds. ECT is generally administered in a series of 6 to 12 treatments over several weeks.

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Edgar Manood
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187 views24 pages

ECT

Somatic therapy, also known as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), involves inducing seizures in patients via electric currents to treat mental illnesses like depression. ECT is believed to correct chemical imbalances in the brain, though its exact mechanism is unclear. It can be used to treat conditions such as major depression, mania, schizophrenia, and postpartum psychosis. A modern ECT session involves anesthesia, muscle relaxants, and electrodes placed on the head to deliver electric pulses and induce seizures lasting 30-60 seconds. ECT is generally administered in a series of 6 to 12 treatments over several weeks.

Uploaded by

Edgar Manood
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SOMATIC THERAPY

Somatic therapy
is the treatment of mental illness by
physical means (such as medication,
electroconvulsive therapy, or
psychosurgery) rather than psychotherapy.

Also known as electroshock


therapy(EST)
1938 by Ugo Cerlettti and Luciano
Bini, two Italian Psychiatrist
Induce the grand mal seizure by
passing an electrical current thru
electrodes that are attached to the
temple.

It is believed that the shock stimulates


brain chemistry to correct the
chemical imbalance of depression

However, the mechanism of action of


ECT is unclear at present

Major depression
Prophylaxis
Mania
Schizophrenia
Post partum psychosis
Patients experiencing motor disorder
cause by treatment

Very high risk:


Recent cerebrovascular accident
Recent myocardial infarction
Intracranial mass lession
Elevation of intra cranial pressure

High risk:

Angina pectoris
Congestive heart failure

Severe

osteoporosis
Major bone fracture
Glaucoma
Retinal detachment
Thrombophlebitis
Pregnancy
Severe pulmonary disease

Anxiety

disorder
Behavioral disorder
Mild depression
Personality depression
Phobic disorder
Somatoform disorder
Substance use

Modified ECT(Modern ECT)-with


medication
Atropine sulfate
To decrease secretions
Anectine (Succinylcholine)
To promote muscle relaxation
Methohexital Sodium (Brevital)
Serves as an anesthetic agent

Unmodified ECT- no medication

6 to 12 treatments, given 2- 3
times per week

ECT machine with electrodes


Wooden bed with mattress
Mouth protector or gag
Small pillow
Electrodes jelly
Towel
Restraints
Hypo tray with emergency stimulants
Inhalator
3-4 assistants

An electrode is
placed above the
temple of the
nondominant side of
the brain
another in the
middle of the
forehead (Unilateral
ECT)

Or one electrode
may be placed
above the temple on
each side of the
brain (Bilateral ECT)

Complete thorough physical, neurological


and laboratory exam.
Consent for therapy to be signed by a
responsible relative
Explain to the px what is to be done.

Before

NPO 6-8 hours before the scheduled hour


Omit AM dose of medication if any.
Empty the bladder
Check Vital signs.
Remove all metal object

Electrodes

are attached
Bite block is inserted
Ventilate with 100% Oxygen
Electric impulse is given up
70
to 150 volts for 0.5- 8 secs
The seizure must last 30-60
secs

Ventilate

with 100% oxygen


Monitors for respiratory
problems.
Reorient the patient
Document all aspect of
treatment

Apnea
Fracture
Loss of memory
Headache

Respiratory depression

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