open access
Electroconvulsive therapy — an effective and safe alternative for ineffective pharmacotherapy
open access
Abstract
Induction of seizures in order to improve the mental state has a long history, but electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) still remain controversial. Despite the changes in techniques of the procedure, which caused the reduction of the risk and great improvement of the comfort of the patient, both during the procedure, and after it, by some patients and clinicians ECT is still considered as outdated and inefficient method which does not apply to modern psychiatry. This opinion is completely wrong. The article includes information about electroconvulsive therapy, its efficacy, safety and the rules of qualification and preparation of the patient for ECT treatment.
Abstract
Induction of seizures in order to improve the mental state has a long history, but electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) still remain controversial. Despite the changes in techniques of the procedure, which caused the reduction of the risk and great improvement of the comfort of the patient, both during the procedure, and after it, by some patients and clinicians ECT is still considered as outdated and inefficient method which does not apply to modern psychiatry. This opinion is completely wrong. The article includes information about electroconvulsive therapy, its efficacy, safety and the rules of qualification and preparation of the patient for ECT treatment.
Keywords
electroconvulsive therapy, ECT, seizures, depression, schizophrenia
About this articleTitle
Electroconvulsive therapy — an effective and safe alternative for ineffective pharmacotherapy
Journal
Issue
Article type
Review paper
Pages
166-170
Bibliographic record
Psychiatria 2014;11(3):166-170.
Keywords
electroconvulsive therapy
ECT
seizures
depression
schizophrenia
Authors
Anna Z. Antosik-Wójcińska
Łukasz Święcicki