Rhetorical Situation

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is, like the study of psychology, relatively new and riddled with people using this technique unethically
and with questionable purposes. It uses a machine that sends electrical pulses using electrode attachments on the head of the patient. ECT
elicits small and quick seizures in the brain to treat serious mental disorders, and can cause long lasting seizures, strokes, and even death.
With this risk, it is important to keep strict regulations and procedures to avoid these and any other possible risks. MECTA is a company that
has been supplying medical offices with ECT machines for years and have updated them when needed. They would specifically target/promote
to medical offices, hospitals, and psychiatric patients and their families. They would most likely do this with a tri-fold brochure or pamphlet
since most information in the medical is circulated through this format. Patients and their families specifically look through these pamphlets
when they are waiting for their appointments or are making an appointment.
 MECTA
About Us
Why are the techniques of speaking to therapists
or taking medication seen as the only ways of
treating mental disorders.? We can provide an
alternative way to treat serious mental disorders
Above is a modern example of an ECT effectively and with proper care.
machine.
Contact Us
How does electroconvulsive therapy work?
Phone: (503) 612-6780
Before any level of ECT is introduced to
Fax: (503) 612-6542
the patient, they must have a psychological
Web: www.mectacorp.com
assessment and physical to determine
MECTA EVIDENCE BASED ECT
their ability to go through with the
TECHNOLOGY
therapy. 19799 SW 95th Ave, Ste B
The patient (and guardian) must speak Tualatin, OR 97062-7584 MECTA
with the physician about all effects
possible and the procedure itself. EVIDENCE
Consent must be obtained by the
person of sound mind, or a legal
BASED ECT
guardian if they cannot. TECHNOLOGY
Usually the patient and physician work
together to determine the amount and
time needed for the specific treatment. Redefining Electroconvulsive
Therapy
Patient goes under anesthesia and a
muscle relaxer for each treatment, and
fitted with electrodes on their heads.

The electrodes send electrical pulses to

evoke a brisk seizure. Patient awakens
after about 10 minutes after electrodes
are removed.

Depression is called the Silent Enemy,
due to its hidden nature and localization
in the mind.
Struggle with
Depression?
As a serious mental disorder, it is one
that can be treated successfully with
ECT.
Depression is shown as creating too
many connections in the brain, and ECT
has shown to have similar effects as
antidepressants in lowering these
connections. It can even help to create
new cells that replace the damaged ones.
Arguments Against ECT
Also called Electric Shock Therapy, this
psychological technique is old and has a
two-sided history. Even with this
knowledge, there are multiple pieces of
evidence that show electroconvulsive
therapy is effective and not just used
negatively.
Although this treatment can
be beneficial, it is best for
serious mental illnesses and
should be talked over with a
psychiatrist.
Personal Medical Choice
Since this technique uses a medical
device it is important to research and
speak with a medical professional. It
should not be taken lightly.
In case of emergency:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
(800) 273-8255
National Human Service Call Center: 2-1-
1
A demonstration of proper ECT set up.
A proper electroconvulsive therapy
treatment should result in no harm and
is observed by multiple medical
professionals.
Possible Side Effects
Even with this care and focus on
effectiveness, there are still side effects,
as is evident in many medical practices.
Headaches
Nausea
Slight burns from electrodes on
scalp
Muscle pain
Memory loss
Confusion immediately after
treatment. Typically, only
effecting the patient for a limited
time, no longer than a day.
Prolonged seizures
Reaction to anesthesia
 Work Cited

211.org. (2017). 2-1-1.org. [online] Available at: http://www.211.org/ [Accessed 10 Oct. 2017].

Corp, M. (2017). MECTA CORP Tualatin OR, 97062 - Cortera Company Profile. [online] Start.cortera.com. Available at:

https://start.cortera.com/company/research/k3r2prq7n/mecta-corp/ [Accessed 10 Oct. 2017].

John M. Grohol, P. (2017). Risks and Side Effects of ECT | Psych Central. [online] Psych Central. Available at: https://psychcentral.com/lib/risks-and-side-

effects-of-ect/ [Accessed 10 Oct. 2017].

Mectacorp.com. (2017). MECTA Corporation - Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). [online] Available at: http://www.mectacorp.com/home.html [Accessed

10 Oct. 2017].

Nami.org. (2017). ECT, TMS and Other Brain Stimulation Therapies | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. [online] Available at:

https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Treatment/ECT,-TMS-and-Other-Brain-Stimulation-Therapies [Accessed 10 Oct. 2017].

Please Live. (2017). List of Hotlines - Please Live. [online] Available at: http://www.pleaselive.org/hotlines/ [Accessed 10 Oct. 2017].

Psych Central. (2017). Common Hotline Phone Numbers | Psych Central. [online] Available at: https://psychcentral.com/lib/common-hotline-phone-

numbers/ [Accessed 10 Oct. 2017].

Psychiatry.org. (2017). What is ECT?. [online] Available at: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ect [Accessed 10 Oct. 2017].

Szalavitz, M. (2017). How Electroconvulsive Therapy Works for Depression | TIME.com. [online] TIME.com. Available at:

http://healthland.time.com/2012/03/21/how-electroconvulsive-therapy-works-for-depression/ [Accessed 10 Oct. 2017].

The Daily Lobo. (2017). UNM prof: Electroconvulsive therapy shows promise as depression treatment. [online] Available at:

http://www.dailylobo.com/article/2015/10/15-unm-prof-studying-shock-therapy-treatment [Accessed 10 Oct. 2017].