Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What does electroconvulsive therapy involve?

1. Physical exercises for mental well-being

2. Passing electric currents through the brain

3. Administering medication directly to the brain

4. Psychotherapy sessions with a counselor

The correct answer is: Passing electric currents through the brain

Electroconvulsive therapy, often abbreviated as ECT, involves the application of electric currents to the brain to induce controlled seizures. This treatment is primarily used for severe mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder, especially when other treatments have failed or the condition is life-threatening. The procedure typically involves placing electrodes on the patient’s scalp and delivering a brief electrical stimulus. This process helps to alleviate symptoms by altering brain chemistry and producing therapeutic effects. The controlled seizures triggered by the electrical currents can help to reset the brain's neural pathways and provide relief from debilitating symptoms of various mental health disorders. Understanding this method is crucial for recognizing its role in mental health treatment and the circumstances under which it is administered. The other choices, while related to mental health, do not accurately describe the nature or process of electroconvulsive therapy.