Psych Chapter 20

ECT indications

ECT has been shown to be effective in the treatment of severe depression. It is usually not considered the treatment of choice for depression, but may be administered after a trial of therapy withantidepressant medication. ECT is also indicated in the treatment of acute manic episodes of bipolar disorder. It has been shown to be effective in treating manic clients who are refractory to antimanic drug therapy. ECT can induce a remission in some clients who are diagnosed with acute schizophrenia, but it seems to be of little value in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia. ECT has been used with neuroses, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and personality disorders. Little evidence exists to support the efficacy of ECT in the treatment of these conditions.

Electroconvulsive therapy

ECT is the induction of a grand mal (generalized) seizure through the application of electrical current to the brain. Stimulus is applied through electrodes placed bilaterally in the frontotemporal region or unilaterally on the same side as the dominant hand. Dose of stimulation is based on the client's seizure threshold, which is highly variable among individuals. The duration of the seizure should be at least 15 to 25 seconds. Usually administered every other day, for three times per week; most clients need 6 to 12 treatments.

After the procedure

Evaluation of changes in client behavior is made to determine improvement and provide assistance in deciding the number of treatments that will be administered.

Immediately before the procedure

In the treatment room, the anesthesiologist administers a muscle relaxant (usually succinylcholine) and a short-acting anesthetic (such as methohexital sodium). The client receives oxygen during and after the treatment. An airway/bite block is used to facilitate the client's airway patency. Electrodes are placed on the temples to deliver the electrical stimulation. The nurse assists the psychiatrist and the anesthesiologist as required, and provides support to the client, both physically and emotionally.

ECT mechanism of action

The exact mechanism of action by which ECT effects a therapeutic response is unknown. Some credibility has been given to the biochemical theory that ECT results in significant increases in the circulating levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

ECT side effects

The most common side effects are temporary memory loss and confusion. Mortality: although death is rare, when it does occur, it is usually related to cardiovascular complications. Brain Damage

Before the procedure

The nursing process is the method of delivery of care for the client receiving ECT. The client must receive a thorough physical examination before initiation of therapy. This examination should include assessment of cardiovascular and pulmonary status as well as laboratory blood and urine studies. A skeletal history and x-ray assessment should also be considered. The nurse must ensure that informed consent has been granted. The nurse must also assess mood, level of anxiety, thought and communication patterns, and vital signs. Appropriate nursing diagnoses are formulated based on assessment data. Nurses prepare the client for the treatment by having him or her void and removing dentures, eyeglasses or contact lenses, jewelry, and hairpins. Atropine sulfate or glycopyrrolate is administered according to physician's orders approximately 30 minutes before the treatment.

ECT contraindications

The only absolute contraindication for ECT is increased intracranial pressure (from brain tumor, recent CVA, or other cerebrovascular lesion). Individuals at high risk with ECT include those with myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident within the preceding 3 to 6 months, aortic or cerebral aneurysm, severe underlying hypertension, and congestive heart failure.