ELECTROSHOCK THERAPY Meaning and
Definition
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Electroshock therapy, also known as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), is a medical procedure that involves the application of electric currents to the brain with the objective of inducing seizures. It is primarily used in treating severe mental health conditions, particularly major depressive disorder and certain types of schizophrenia.
During the procedure, the patient is anesthetized and given a muscle relaxant to minimize their discomfort and prevent injury. Electrodes are then placed on the patient's scalp, through which carefully controlled electrical impulses are delivered. These electrical currents stimulate a brief seizure within the brain which lasts for approximately 20 to 60 seconds.
The exact mechanism by which electroshock therapy exerts its therapeutic effects remains uncertain, but it is believed to involve alterations in brain chemistry and neural circuitry. This procedure is believed to modify the brain's neurotransmitter levels and improve communication between different regions, resulting in alleviation of symptoms associated with mental health disorders.
Electroshock therapy is typically administered in a series of sessions, usually two to three times a week for a few weeks. The number of sessions depends on the individual patient's response to treatment and the severity of their condition. While the total duration of treatment can vary, improvements in symptoms are often observed after the initial few sessions.
Although electroshock therapy has been portrayed negatively due to historical misuse and inaccurate depictions in popular culture, it is currently considered a safe and effective treatment option for severe mental illnesses. It is administered under strict medical supervision and subject to ethical guidelines to ensure patient safety.
Common Misspellings for ELECTROSHOCK THERAPY
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Etymology of ELECTROSHOCK THERAPY
The word "electroshock therapy" is a compound term that combines "electro-" and "shock" with "therapy".
1. "Electro-" is derived from the Greek word "ēlektron", meaning "amber" or "electron". In scientific terms, it refers to electricity or electric phenomena.
2. "Shock" comes from Middle English "shokken" or Old English "sceaccan", meaning "to strike" or "to collide". It describes a sudden or violent impact.
3. "Therapy" is derived from the Greek word "therapeia", which means "healing" or "treatment".
So, when combined, "electroshock therapy" refers to a treatment method involving the administration of electric shocks to induce therapeutic effects.
Similar spelling words for ELECTROSHOCK THERAPY
