Most people seem to think that Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a dangerous treatment often given to prisoners or to punish a patient. Others seem to think that the treatment is painful and causes life long complications. The misconceptions have arisen primarily because health care professionals simply have not made an effort to educate the public
Electroconvulsive Therapy is generally performed by a psychiatrist. ECT is bona fide therapy with great benefits for certain depressed patients and is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, the National Institute of Mental Health, the Food and Drug Administration and the US Surgeon General's office.
Most individuals only receive 6-12 ECT sessions spread over an interval of a few months. The treatments are given 2-3 times a week for a month as an outpatient. The treatments are administered under general anesthesia and the patient is also given a muscle relaxant. The brain is connected with electrodes that are placed in specific locations over the scalp. Once the individual is asleep, an electrical current that causes a seizure is delivered. The seizure typically lasts about 45-60 seconds. There is no pain or any other visible symptom after the procedure.
Showing posts with label anesthesia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anesthesia. Show all posts
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Current Recommendations on Electroconvulsive therapy Usage Part 2
ECT is used much less often today partly because of the availability of more potent and safer anti depressants and also the development of the field of psychotherapy. Plus, there are a variety of organizations and social support groups to help mental health patents overcome their disabilities
Even so, depression can take an acute turn for the worse with the individual going downhill fast and not eating, talking or even communicating. Some may develop acute psychosis and delusions and become very suicidal.
In these cases, ECT may offer a rapid therapeutic benefit compared to what is available and may be an excellent alternative. All current scientific data indicate that for acute depression with suicidal tendencies, ECT is an excellent form of therapy.
Many individuals who have had ECT in the past have found it helpful and seek the treatment when they feel depressed again.
ECT is relatively expensive. The costs of the treatment depend on which state one is receiving the therapy, the cost of anesthesia and the fees of the psychiatrist. On average the costs of ECT are about $ 800-$1200. The cost covers the fee for anesthesia, the psychiatrist and hospital admission. Most individuals receive anywhere from 6-8 treatments.
Many medical insurance plans and Medicare do reimburse the cost of ECT. While this may not sound cheap, it is a lot cheaper than taking anti depressant drugs for life
Even so, depression can take an acute turn for the worse with the individual going downhill fast and not eating, talking or even communicating. Some may develop acute psychosis and delusions and become very suicidal.
In these cases, ECT may offer a rapid therapeutic benefit compared to what is available and may be an excellent alternative. All current scientific data indicate that for acute depression with suicidal tendencies, ECT is an excellent form of therapy.
Many individuals who have had ECT in the past have found it helpful and seek the treatment when they feel depressed again.
ECT is relatively expensive. The costs of the treatment depend on which state one is receiving the therapy, the cost of anesthesia and the fees of the psychiatrist. On average the costs of ECT are about $ 800-$1200. The cost covers the fee for anesthesia, the psychiatrist and hospital admission. Most individuals receive anywhere from 6-8 treatments.
Many medical insurance plans and Medicare do reimburse the cost of ECT. While this may not sound cheap, it is a lot cheaper than taking anti depressant drugs for life
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
