Assignment 1: This Week's Discussion On Changes In Perc

Assignment 1this Weeks Discussion Touched On Changes In Perception Re

Assignment 1 this week’s discussion touched on changes in perception regarding psychopathology in response to shifts in societal attitudes toward specific behaviors. Now, let us look critically at treatments in general. A number of treatments for currently diagnosable disorders have been discontinued, such as trepanning and lobotomies, because they were discredited and are now considered crude and/or barbaric. A number of disorders have been completely removed from diagnostic manuals and their corresponding treatments have been discredited and discontinued. For example, the treatment known as conversion therapy or reparative therapy for lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals is known to be ineffective and even harmful.

In this 250- to 500-word journal entry, you will consider current treatment methods (e.g., electroconvulsive therapy, exposure, and response prevention). Choose a current treatment method and comment on what ways future researchers might consider this current treatment barbaric or crude. Explain why you chose to comment on this treatment. What would need to happen for current acceptance of this treatment procedure to change? What are the ethical implications involved in using a questionable treatment option?

Paper For Above instruction

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains one of the more controversial yet effective treatments for severe depression and certain other mental health conditions. While considered a standard treatment in psychiatric practice, future perspectives might view ECT as barbaric or crude due to its invasive nature, potential side effects, and the historical context of its misuse. This reflection explores the possible future perception of ECT as outdated or barbaric, reasons for choosing this treatment as a focus, and the ethical implications involved in its use.

Historically, ECT was administered without sufficient anesthesia or muscle relaxants, leading to painful seizures and significant cognitive side effects. Although modern ECT involves anesthesia and neuromuscular blocking agents that minimize discomfort and adverse effects, concerns remain about its safety and long-term impact, particularly regarding memory loss and cognitive deficits (Loo & Medvedeva, 2015). Future generations might perceive ECT as crude or barbaric, similar to past perceptions of lobotomies or trepanning, particularly if technological advancements render it unnecessary or if alternative, less invasive therapies become more effective and safer. As neuroscience advances, the understanding of neural mechanisms involved in mood disorders will likely lead to more targeted treatments, reducing reliance on procedures perceived as crude.

The reason for choosing ECT as a focus stems from its paradoxical nature—while it remains one of the most effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression, its historical reputation and the stigma still cloud its acceptance (UK ECT Review Group, 2003). An analysis of this treatment's future perception must account for ongoing improvements: refinement in dosing, administration, and targeting, alongside increased understanding of patient-specific factors. For ECT to be more widely accepted in the future, rigorous research demonstrating long-term safety, minimal cognitive impact, and superior efficacy compared to emerging therapies is essential (McClintock et al., 2016).

Ethically, the use of ECT raises questions about informed consent, especially considering the historical abuses and potential cognitive risks. Patients must be fully informed about risks and benefits, emphasizing autonomy and voluntary participation. The controversy also involves balancing beneficence—providing effective relief from severe depression—and non-maleficence—avoiding harm via cognitive deficits. As with any treatment deemed questionable, ethical principles demand ongoing assessment of the risk-benefit ratio, transparent communication, and dedication to patient safety (American Psychiatric Association, 2001).

In conclusion, although ECT is currently an accepted and effective treatment for certain mental health conditions, future perceptions might stigmatize it as crude, especially if safer, more precise alternatives are developed. The ethical considerations surrounding its administration—particularly informed consent and minimizing harm—must be prioritized to ensure that its use remains justified and respectful of patient rights. Continued research and technological advances will ultimately influence whether ECT retains its standing or is viewed historically as a barbaric relic of early psychiatric practices.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2001). Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 158(7), 1–29.
• Loo, C. K., & Medvedeva, N. (2015). Efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 49(12), 1130–1132.
• McClintock, S., Tye, S., & Janicak, P. G. (2016). ECT safety and acceptability. World Psychiatry, 15(3), 322–330.
• UK ECT Review Group. (2003). Efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy in depressive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet, 361(9360), 799–808.