Question

A nurse who is working on a mental health unit should recognize that which of the following are indications for the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? Select all that apply.

A) Severe depression unresponsive to medication
B) Acute stress disorder
C) Bipolar disorder with rapid cycling
D) Schizophrenia with controlled symptoms

Answer 1

Indications for ECT include severe depression resistant to medication and bipolar disorder with rapid cycling; it is not indicated for acute stress disorder or controlled schizophrenia.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse working on a mental health unit should recognize that the indications for the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) include:

• Severe depression unresponsive to medication
• Bipolar disorder with rapid cycling

ECT is not typically used for acute stress disorder or schizophrenia with controlled symptoms, as these conditions are often managed with other treatments such as psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. For schizophrenia, antipsychotics that work by blocking dopamine receptors are commonly used. Meanwhile, severe depression and bipolar disorder can be particularly resistant to medications and may benefit from ECT treatment.