Question

A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of unipolar disorder. When the client doesn't respond to antidepressant drugs, the physician orders electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). What is the mechanism of action for ECT?

1. It's related to the client's perception of ECT as a well-deserved punishment.
2. It's unknown.
3. It's related to increased production of chemicals in the brain.
4. It resembles that of antidepressant drugs.

Answer 1

ECT's mechanism of action is unknown and differs from antidepressant drugs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mechanism of action for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is still not fully understood, so option 2 is correct. While it is known that ECT affects brain chemistry, the exact mechanisms are unknown. It is not related to the client's perception of ECT as punishment (option 1) or increased production of brain chemicals (option 3) like antidepressant drugs. Although ECT is used as a treatment for depression, its mechanism of action is different from that of antidepressant drugs (option 4).