ECT

Microteaching Slides for the intoduction and Basics

1. 1 Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

2. OBJECTIVES Introduction Procedure Mode of Action Indications Contraindications Complications 2

3. Introduction When medication fails to ease the symptoms of clinical depression, there are other options to try.  Brain  stimulation techniques such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), for example, can be used to treat major depression that hasn't responded to standard treatments. 3

4. Electroconvulsive Therapy ( ECT) ECT is among the safest and most effective treatments available for depression . ECT is one of the fastest ways to relieve symptoms in severely depressed or suicidal patients . It's also very effective for patients who suffer from  mania or a number of other mental illnesses . 4

5. Effective in During pregnancy, when medications can't be taken because they might harm the developing fetus. In older adults who can't tolerate drug side effects. In people who prefer ECT treatments over taking medications When ECT has been successful in the past 5

6. Procedure Prior to ECT treatment, a patient is given a muscle relaxant and is put to sleep with a general anaesthesia. Electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp and a finely controlled electric current is applied. This current causes a brief seizure in the brain. ECT is usually given up to three times a week for a total of two to four weeks. 6

7. Mode of Action It is done through the passage of an electric current capable of inducing a generalized seizure activity in the brain. The mechanism of action is not clear, but ECT is one of the most efficient methods of treatment in psychiatry. It has the least complications when applied properly. 7

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9. Indications of ECT Major Depression. Bipolar Mood Disorder. Acute psychotic disorders. Undifferentiated and brief psychotic disorder Acute delusional disorders. 9

10. Schizoaffective disorders. Schizophrenia: With catatonic symptoms. With mood (depressive symptoms) With acute exacerbation of symptoms. 10

11. Contraindications Recent myocardial infarction. Increased intracranial tension, cerebral aneurism or hemorrhage. Extreme hypertension. Fever or acute respiratory infection. Significant arrhythmias. 11

12. Complications of ect Transient short-term memory loss and confusion Rare complications: Fractures or dislocations (if muscle relaxant is not adequately used). Myocardial infarction or arrhythmias. Miscarriage, if patient has threatened abortion. 12

13. conclusion ECT is among the safest and most effective treatments available for depression . Major Depression. Bipolar Mood Disorder . 13

14. Reference Short text book of psychiatry – Niraj Ahuja Synopsis of psychiatry – kaplan and sodock Text book of psychiatry – VMD Namboothiri 14

15. Thank you. 15