Some people think that electroconvulsive therapy is a surgical method, the need to play anesthesia open, some people think that this is a way to punish the patient, in fact, “electroconvulsive therapy” is far from the horror that we imagine, film and television works or hearsay process, this treatment method is “demonized “The. Today we will introduce this treatment method – electroconvulsive therapy. 1.What is electroconvulsive therapy? In the days when medicine was not advanced, “epilepsy” and “mental illness” were both considered to be possessed by the devil, and in the 19th century people began to realize that epilepsy and mental illness were diseases. Scientists at the time found that people with epilepsy did not seem to be prone to mental illness and believed that seizures could prevent mental illness. Based on this theory (which was later proven wrong), “electroconvulsive therapy” was invented to treat mental illness by artificially inducing a grand mal seizure in the brain. This treatment is, for example, like restarting or formatting a computer that has been programmed incorrectly to work properly again. There are two types of electroconvulsive therapy: traditional electroconvulsivetherapy (ECT) and modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT), which involves the application of anesthetics and muscle relaxants, so that there are no visible convulsions and the treatment is more comfortable and safe. It is more comfortable and safe. In recent years, MECT is the treatment method used by major hospitals at home and abroad. 2.How is MECT done? Does it require an operation? In a broader sense, MECT is also a kind of “surgery”, but this “surgery” does not require an incision. Patients must first complete various necessary tests such as ECG, EEG, routine blood tests and blood biochemistry, and the results of these tests must be “up to standard” before they can receive MECT treatment. Of course, if the patient has glaucoma, hemangioma, optic papillary congestion and edema, hemangioma or very high hypertension, the patient is also not suitable for electroconvulsive therapy. When it is confirmed that the patient is ready for the treatment, he/she needs to fast and abstain from food and water for 4-6 hours before the treatment. Prior to treatment, general anesthesia is administered intravenously, coupling agent is applied to the two electrode pads, and a rubber band is used to secure them to the patient’s temples. When ready, an electrical stimulation treatment with adjustable power is started, with an action time of about 20 to 60 seconds. Unlike the somewhat exaggerated performances in movies and TV shows, the treatment is very gentle and the use of muscle relaxants allows the body to react without noticeable reactions, with only a slight tremor in the fingers and toes at times, which greatly reduces the fear of seizures during the treatment and makes it easier for the patient to accept the treatment. For the patient, the above process is like sleeping with no obvious painful experience. 3. Can all mental illnesses be treated with MECT? (1) Patients with severe depression, obvious self-blame, self-guilt, self-injury, suicide attempts and behaviors. (2) Excitement, agitation, impulsiveness, injury and destruction of objects. (3) Refusal of food, disobedience, and nervous rigidity. (4) Those who have failed to respond to psychotropic medication or are intolerant to medication. Generally, three to four treatments can eliminate severe negative perceptions and rigidity. Some literature shows that MECT is effective for 90% of people with major depression, usually after 6 to 8 treatments; 90% of people with mania, after 8 to 10 treatments; 75% of people with acute symptoms of schizophrenia. 4. Is MECT safe? For most patients, MECT has relatively few adverse effects, such as mild headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, fever, confusion, etc. After treatment, some patients may experience headache, nausea and vomiting, and transient reversible memory loss, which usually recovers on its own within 1-2 weeks and can be accelerated with medication. Confusion and memory difficulties can be seen after more than one course of treatment, but once treatment is over the symptoms are reduced and memory function is gradually restored. Of course, as with many medical procedures, there are some risks associated with MECT, which can cause arrhythmias or other disorders in a small number of people. People with heart disease are more likely to have these problems. The patient’s heart and brain electrical activity and breathing are monitored throughout the treatment to further enhance the safety of the treatment. MECT is the only very advanced, scientific and effective method of physical therapy recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in the field of mental illness treatment both domestically and internationally. It is used in almost every country in the world, and about 1-2 million patients receive this treatment every year; some of the larger psychiatric hospitals in China have also carried out this treatment one after another, and it has been widely promoted and used, and is well received by psychiatrists and patients’ families.