somatic therapy

Question 1

define the term, ‘somatic therapy’

Answer 1

treatment approaches that use physiological or physical intervention to effect behavioural changes

Question 2

discuss the types of somatic therapy

Answer 2

• Psychopharmacology
• ECT
• Restraints
• Seclusions

Question 3

discuss Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Indicators and non-workable disorder

Answer 3

• an electric current (70-150 volts) is passed thru the brain for 0.5 to 2 seconds causing a seizure
• The seizure from ECT must last
  approx. 30-60 seconds to be of therapeutic value

Indications for ECT
* Non-response to an adequate trial
of antidepressants
* High suicide potential
* Depressive stupor
* Catatonic: abnormal movement
* Delusions
* Severe manic not controlled by
medications
* Post-partum psychosis after nonresponse to antidepressants
* Schizophrenia-catatonic type when
non-responsive

*does NOT work on:
* Anxiety disorder
* Behavioural disorders
* Mild depression
* Personality disorders
* Phobic disorders
* Somatoform disorders

Question 4

describe the care before, during and
after ECT

Answer 4

before: ensure fasting
during: protect form severe convulsion
after: post fits confusional state: light headache, confusion –> protect pt from harming self, slowly introduce back food and drinks, observe tolerance, allow rest