Research Paper on "Functioning of Electroconvulsive Therapy"

Research Paper 8 pages (2551 words) Sources: 8

[EXCERPT] . . . .

First, electroconvulsive therapy increases connectivity in the brain, especially in autism spectrum disorders, which are commonly linked to depression. In this case, these disorders generate reduced connectivity in the brain and hinder normal functioning. The electrical current used in this therapy induces the brain into releasing chemicals that help in enhancing connectivity in certain areas. For example, this therapy may entail the use of antidepressants that increase connectivity in the brain and help restore normal functioning. Electrodes placed on the scalp during electroconvulsive therapy generate significant connectivity in several brain regions.

Secondly, electroconvulsive therapy reduces connectivity between frontal regions of the brain that are associated with severe depression. The reduced connectivity largely occurs in frontal brain regions that are engaged in emotional control as well as lower brain regions that help in controlling emotions (Szalavitz par, 10). This is achieved when the therapy involves the use of antidepressants or attaching its electrodes to the right side of the head. A good example of reduced connectivity in frontal regions of the brain during electroconvulsive therapy is in relation to regions that generate emotions or those engaged in emotional control.

II. Improving Levels of Nerve Growth Factors in the Brain

Electroconvulsive also works by improving the levels of the nerve growth factors in the brain, which is crucial in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses. Similar to antidepressants, this therapy has been found to enhance levels of nerve growth factors in the brain. While there may too many connections in certain areas of the depressed brain, there could be few connections in other areas. Regardless of the number of connections in the depressed brain, electroconvulsive therapy increases levels of nerve growth factors in the depressed brain.

A. Inducing the Birth of New Brain Cells

Once electroconvulsive therapy increases the levels of nerve growth factors in the brain, it contributes to the birth of new brain cells that would be crucial in treatment of psychiatric illnesses. Actually, nerve growth factors whose levels are increased by this treatment procedure are those that provoke the birth of new brain cells. Therefore, electroconvulsive therapy helps in the birth of new brain cells through increasing the levels of nerve growth factors relating to this process or activity. A peripheral nerve stimulator can be utilized to supplement ordinary means of achieving maximal muscle relaxation (American Psychiatric Association, p.40).

The first way through which electroconvulsive therapy provokes the birth of new brain cells by increasing the levels of nerve growth factors is through its stimuli. Stimuli from electroconvulsive therapy change the regional concentration of nerve growth factors, which results in birth of new brain cells. For example, the treatment procedure enhances the plasma levels of nerve growth factor in psychiatric patients and induces birth of new brain cells.

Secondly, electroconvulsive therapy provokes the birth of new brain cells is by increasing serum levels. Based on findings of recent studies, the therapy has been found to have positive impacts on serum BDNF and NGF levels in patients with major depression (Bilgen et al., p.82). In essence, electroconvulsive therapy increases serum levels on neurotrophic factor derived from the brain, especially for patients with psychiatric illnesses.

B. Revival of Hippocampus

Electroconvulsive therapy revives damaged connections in hippocampus i.e. an area of the brain linked to depression. The treatment procedure accomplishes this by increasing levels of nerve growth factors that revive damaged connections in hippocampus. Hippocampus is an area of the brain that is commonly linked to depression or other psychiatric illnesses, especially when it is damaged.

The first way through which damaged connections in hippocampus are revitalized is through reducing hyperconnectivity in the brain. As previously mentioned, some cases of psychiatric illnesses like severe depression are associated with too many connections in the brain. In these cases, the treatment reduces the hyperconnectivity in the depressed brain, which helps in revitalizing the damaged areas.

Secondly, electroconvulsive therapy revitalizes damaged connections in hippocampus by increasing connectivity in the brain. As previously indicated, some cases of psychiatric illnesses like depression are linked to reduced connectivity in the depressed brain. In these instances, electroconvulsive therapy enhances connectivity in the depressed brain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, electroconvulsive therapy is one of the oldest yet widely used treatment measures in psychiatry. It primarily involves passing a carefully-controlled electrical current through the brain in order to create an epileptic fit that helps in recovery from psychiatric illness. The electrical current affects electrical and chemical activities in the brain and produces significant improvements in psychotic and depressive symptoms. This treatment procedure works through provoking the release of important brain chemicals in the depressed brain and enhancing the levels of nerve growth factors in the brain. Consequently, while electroconvulsive therapy has usually appeared as a barbaric treatment but it's the most effective treatment for severe depression.

Works Cited

Abrams, Richard. Electroconvulsive Therapy. 4th ed. Oxford: Oxford UP, 1997. Print.

American Psychiatric Association. The Practice of Electroconvulsive Therapy Recommendations

for Treatment, Training, and Privileging. 2nd ed. Arlington: American Psychiatric Pub., 2001. Print.

Barnes, Richard. "Information about ECT (Electro-convulsive Therapy)." Royal College of Psychiatrists - Improving the Lives of People with Mental Illness. Royal College of Psychiatrists, July 2015. Web. 11 Apr. 2016. .

Bilgen, Ali Emrah, Selma Bozkurt Zincir, Serkan Zincir, Barbaros Ozdemir, Mehmet Ak, Emre

Aydemir, and Irfan ?ener. "Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Serum Levels of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor and Nerve Growth Factor in Treatment Resistant Major Depression." Brain Research Bulletin 104 (2014): 82-87. Print.

Dukakis, Kitty, and Larry Tye. Shock: The Healing Power of Electroconvulsive Therapy. New York: Penguin Group, 2006. Print.

Fink, Max. Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Guide for Professionals and Their Patients. N.p.:

Oxford UP, 2009. Print.

Nairne, James S., M. S. Smith, and D. S. Lindsay. Psychology: The Adaptive Mind. Scarborough:

Nelson Thomson Learning, 2001. Print.

Reisner, Andrew D. "The Electroconvulsive Therapy Controversy: Evidence and Ethics."

Neuropsychology Review 13.4 (2003): 199-219. Print.

Szalavitz, Maia. "How Electroconvulsive Therapy Works for Depression." Online Posting. Time.

Time Inc., 21 Mar. 2012. Web. 11 Apr. 2016. .

Vothknecht, S., K. H. Kho, H. W. Van Schaick, A. H. Zwinderman, H. Middelkoop, and B. A.

Blansjaar. "Effects of Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy on Cognitive Functions." The Journal of ECT 19.3 (2003): 151-57. Print.

Weiner, R. D., and A. D. Krystal. "The Present Use Of… READ MORE

How to Reference "Functioning of Electroconvulsive Therapy" Research Paper in a Bibliography

Related Research Papers:

Conversion Disorders for Whom Research Paper

Conversion disorders for whom are they most common? (i.e. gender, age): More common in females (2-10: 1 female: male ratio), less educated, lower SES, racial factors appear unimportant. 2. Malingering:… read more

Research Paper 2 pages (580 words) Sources: 0 Topic: Psychology / Behavior / Psychiatry

---

To Diagnose Essay

Diagnose or Not to Diagnose

Differentiate among the various types of mental illness described in case examples

People suffering with mental illness experience limitations in their cognitive and behavior skills… read more

Essay 7 pages (2826 words) Sources: 3 Topic: Psychology / Behavior / Psychiatry

---

Spirituality and Depression What Is Spirituality? Thesis

Spirituality and Depression

What is Spirituality?

The absence of an adequate definition of spirituality is perhaps one reason why researchers have difficulty identifying the role of spirituality in the treatment… read more

Thesis 21 pages (6620 words) Sources: 20 Topic: Psychology / Behavior / Psychiatry

---

Fictional Case of Ms. Jean Harlow Term Paper

fictional case of Ms. Jean Harlow and her need for a treatment plan. The beginning of the paper describes the case in detail of Ms. Harlow and her mental disorder.… read more

Term Paper 10 pages (3573 words) Sources: 8 Topic: Psychology / Behavior / Psychiatry

---

General Psychiatric Case Studies Term Paper

Psychiatric Case Studies

This is a question of an individual getting worried and that is a problem that happens to most people. This as such is not a reason for… read more

Term Paper 5 pages (2145 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Psychology / Behavior / Psychiatry

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>