Question

Mr. Chen asks the provider about additional treatments to consider if his wife relapses. The provider tells Mr. Chen that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be an option if the new medication does not help Mrs. Chen manage her depression. Which of the following is part of teaching for a patient considering ECT?

a) ECT is a purely psychological therapy.
b) ECT is always the first-line treatment for depression.
c) ECT involves the use of electric shocks to induce seizures.
d) ECT has no potential side effects.

Answer 1

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is not a purely psychological therapy. It involves the use of electric shocks to induce seizures and may be considered if medication does not help manage depression. ECT is not always the first-line treatment and can have potential side effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a treatment for depression, it is important to understand that ECT is not a purely psychological therapy. Instead, it involves the use of electric shocks to induce seizures. While it may be an option if medication does not help manage depression, it is not always the first-line treatment for depression. Additionally, it is important to note that ECT does have potential side effects.