Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Which condition is specifically treated using electroconvulsive therapy?

1. Extreme anxiety

2. Severe depression

3. Dystonia

4. Insomnia

The correct answer is: Severe depression

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is primarily used to treat severe depression, particularly in cases where patients have not responded to other forms of treatment, such as medication or psychotherapy. ECT works by delivering small electrical currents to the brain, inducing a brief seizure, which can lead to significant improvements in mood and mental state. Research indicates that ECT can be especially effective for individuals experiencing major depressive episodes, particularly when they present with symptoms such as suicidal ideation, psychotic features, or extreme functional impairment. This treatment option is often considered when the severity of depression poses a risk of harm to the individual or when rapid symptom relief is essential. While other conditions like extreme anxiety, dystonia, and insomnia can be serious and require effective treatment, they do not typically fall within the primary indications for ECT. Research and clinical practice support this distinction, as the efficacy and outcomes of ECT are most robust in the treatment of severe depression.