Electroconvulsive therapy is effective in alleviating symptoms for people with ________.

ECT, or electroconvulsive therapy, is a type of medical care that is sometimes needed for mental illnesses when other treatments have not worked. Electric currents are sent to the brain while the person is asleep and under general anaesthesia. This causes a small seizure that can change brain chemistry in important ways. It is often tied to shame, especially when it is talked about in the news, but ECT today is safe, strong, and may help a lot with some mental illnesses. 

Let’s explore the full answer to the question: 
“Electroconvulsive therapy is effective in alleviating symptoms for people with ________.” 

A) General anxiety disorder 
B) Major depressive disorder 
C) Insomnia 
D) ADHD 

Correct Answer: B) Major depressive disorder 

Explanation 

Major depression can be made a lot easier to deal with with electric shock therapy. This works especially well for people who have severe, long-lasting, or psychotic forms of the condition. Talking about it is also done when other types of therapy, like therapy or medication, antidepressants, have not helped enough. ECT may also be helpful to some persons with bipolar disorder and some schizophrenia cases that are resistant to treatment. 

Examples include 

• Depression to the extent that it does not respond to several medication attempts. 

• Depression and suicidal ideation that is in need of immediate symptom management. 

• Catatonia related to mood disorders. 

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy? 

ECT involves an intentional seizure, which is caused by electrical stimulation applied to the brain in precise proportions. This regulated seizure has the ability to reset some of the brain functions, which determines the flow of mood. 

Key features: 

• It is performed, followed by general anesthesia. 

• Usually given 2-3 times/week over several weeks. 

• Ideally watched over by a medical team to ascertain safety. 

Key Elements 

• Main indication: Severe/ intractable depression. 

• Other symptoms: Bipolar depression, schizophrenia, including catatonization. 

• Mechanism: It alters the chemistry of the brain,  stimulating mood and thinking. 

• Effectiveness: Works in most cases where other therapies have not responded. 

FAQs 

Q1: Is ECT safe?  

Yes, but as long as it is carried out by expert trained personnel under contemporary protocols, it is said to be safe and effective. 

Q2: Does ECT cause memory loss? 

Some people may have short-term memory issues that usually go away after a few weeks to months. 

Q3: Is ECT a last resort? 

People only think about it when nothing else works, but if their sadness is putting their lives in danger, they might think about it sooner. 

Q4: How quickly does ECT work?  

A lot of depressed people say that just a few lessons make them feel better. It is one of the fastest ways to get better because of this.