Electroconvulsive Therapy: Mechanism, Electrode Placement, Indications and Contraindications, Pre-Treatment Preparation and the Procedure

A psychiatric nursing note on ECT as the induction of a generalised grand mal seizure by applying electrical current to the brain, with the mechanism still unclear but thought to correct the biochemical abnormalities of peptides and neurotransmitters at the synapses. It covers the bitemporal and right unilateral electrode placements, the indications and contraindications, and the nursing care before treatment - preparing the client, the intravenous line, a sedative for anxiety, atropine to dry the secretions and prevent aspiration, loose clothing and emptying the bladder - and the procedure itself with the quick-acting anaesthetic such as methohexital sodium or thiopental sodium.