Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Questions Related

Review Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Questions related questions and content

When a patient asks the nurse, “How can jolting me with an electrical shock possibly do me any good?” the answer most reflective of current biologic theory would be:

  • A. “ECT produces a change in brain chemistry that results in improved mood.
  • B. “ECT provides you with external punishment so you can stop punishing yourself.”
  • C. “ECT interrupts brain impulses that are causing hallucinations and delusions.”
  • D. ECT shocks the brain into re-establishing normal electrical patterns.”
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment for severe depression and other mental health disorders.
Step 2: Current biological theory suggests that ECT produces changes in brain chemistry, specifically neurotransmitters, leading to improved mood.
Step 3: The correct answer (A) aligns with this theory by explaining how ECT impacts brain chemistry to alleviate symptoms.
Step 4: Answer B is incorrect as ECT is not used as punishment but as a therapeutic intervention.
Step 5: Answer C is incorrect as ECT is not primarily used to interrupt brain impulses causing hallucinations and delusions.
Step 6: Answer D is incorrect as ECT does not shock the brain into re-establishing normal electrical patterns but rather affects neurotransmitter levels.