National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

What is ECT commonly used for in a therapeutic context?

1. Electroconversion Therapy

2. Electroconvulsive Therapy

3. Electrocardiogram Treatment

4. Electromagnetic Cognition Therapy

The correct answer is: Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a well-established psychiatric treatment that involves sending small electric currents through the brain to induce a brief seizure. This process is believed to cause changes in brain chemistry that can alleviate symptoms of certain mental health disorders, particularly severe depression, treatment-resistant depression, and certain types of bipolar disorder. ECT is typically considered when other treatment options, such as medication and psychotherapy, have not been effective. This therapy is administered under anesthesia and involves careful monitoring, making it a highly controlled procedure. ECT has a substantial efficacy for specific conditions, especially where rapid intervention is necessary, such as in cases of severe suicidal ideation or catatonia. The other options listed represent terms that do not align with established medical or therapeutic practices. For example, Electroconversion Therapy doesn’t correspond with a recognized treatment method, while Electrocardiogram Treatment is related to heart monitoring rather than psychiatric conditions. Lastly, Electromagnetic Cognition Therapy is not an established term in the context of mental health treatment. Therefore, ECT as Electroconvulsive Therapy stands out as the recognized and validated method in the therapeutic context.