Question

A client with depression is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy. Which statement is true regarding the use of electroconvulsive therapy? A. Anticonvulsant medication is given prior to the procedure to prevent a tonic-clonic seizure. B. Failure to remember events occurring near the time of electroconvulsive therapy are common. C. Most clients suffer long-term memory loss after receiving electroconvulsive therapy. D. The procedure is brief, so no medication is given prior to electroconvulsive therapy.

Short answer

Answer: Failure to remember events occurring near the time of electroconvulsive therapy are common.

Step-by-step solution

Statement A

Anticonvulsant medication is given prior to the procedure to prevent a tonic-clonic seizure. This statement is incorrect because the main purpose of ECT is to induce a controlled seizure to treat depression. Giving anticonvulsant medication would counter the desired outcome of ECT.

Statement B

Failure to remember events occurring near the time of electroconvulsive therapy are common. This statement is correct. Memory loss, especially short-term memory loss, is a common side effect of ECT. Patients might not remember events that took place shortly before or after the treatment.

Statement C

Most clients suffer long-term memory loss after receiving electroconvulsive therapy. This statement is incorrect. While it is true that some patients might experience long-term memory loss, it is not the most common side effect and it doesn't affect most clients.

Statement D

The procedure is brief, so no medication is given prior to electroconvulsive therapy. This statement is incorrect. While the procedure is indeed brief, medications such as short-acting anesthetics and muscle relaxants are given prior to ECT to ensure patient's comfort and minimize potential side effects. Based on the analysis of the statements above, the correct answer is: B. Failure to remember events occurring near the time of electroconvulsive therapy are common.

Key concepts

Depression Treatment

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure used primarily to treat severe depression, especially when other treatments such as medication and psychotherapy have not been effective. This method involves inducing a controlled seizure in the brain while the patient is under anesthesia. Though it might sound intimidating, ECT is generally considered safe and can be highly effective.

ECT is sometimes viewed as a last resort because of perceived risks, but it can provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms when other methods fail. It is particularly crucial for patients who require immediate intervention, such as those with suicidal tendencies or severe psychotic symptoms. Throughout the procedure, the patient is monitored closely to ensure safety and comfort.

• Induces a controlled seizure to treat severe depression.
• Considered safe and often effective when other treatments fail.
• Used in urgent cases, such as severe suicidal ideation.

Side Effects of ECT

While ECT can be effective in treating depression, it comes with potential side effects that patients and caregivers need to be aware of. One of the most common transient side effects is confusion, which often resolves within a few hours after the procedure. This confusion tends to be more pronounced after each session.

Other side effects might include nausea and headache, similar to side effects experienced post-anesthesia. Because ECT involves anesthesia, there are also potential anesthetic-related risks, though these are generally rare with proper medical oversight.

• Temporary confusion post-procedure is common.
• Nausea and headaches may occur.
• Anesthetic-related risks are rare but possible.

Memory Loss in ECT

Memory loss is a well-documented side effect of ECT, particularly affecting short-term memory. Many patients report difficulty recalling events that occurred immediately before and after the treatment sessions. This memory loss is typically short-lived and resolves within a few weeks, but it can be distressing.

There may also be instances of long-term memory issues, though these are less common. Such cases can involve more distant memories, but they do not affect all patients. Understanding the nature of these memory effects and discussing them with healthcare providers can help in coping with and mitigating concerns.

• Short-term memory loss is common and usually temporary.
• Long-term memory loss is less frequent.
• Open dialogues with healthcare providers aid in managing expectations.