therap-, -therapeutic[s], -therapeutically, -therapy, -therapies, -therapist
(Greek: heal, cure; treatment; service done to the sick, [a waiting on])
The application of weak electrical currents to modulate the activity of neurons in the brain: Electrical transcranial simulations involve procedures that utilize small pulses of electric current across a patient's head in an attempt to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, or drug addiction.
electroconvulsive therapy management (s) (noun)
A nursing intervention from the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) defined as assisting with the safe and efficient provision of electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of psychiatric illness.
electroconvulsive therapy, electroconvulsive treatment, ECT (s); electroconvulsive therapies, electroconvulsive treatments, ECTs (pl) (nouns)
1. The induction of a brief convulsion by passing an electric current through the brain for the treatment of affective disorders; especially, in patients resistant to psychoactive-drug therapy.
2. The use of an electric shock to produce convulsions.
3. The use of controlled, measured doses of electric shock to induce convulsions.
Electroconvulsive therapy is primarily used when rapid definitive response is required for either medical or psychiatric reasons; such as, for a patient who is extremely suicidal and when the risks of other treatments outweigh the risk of ECT.
There is a use for this type of treatment with specific types of mental illness; especially, if acute depression and suicidal intentions are present.
Such convulsions can sometimes treat clinical depressions which can not be treated with medication.
electrodermal activity therapy
A type of biofeedback therapy in which sensors attached to the palm of the hand or palmar aspects of the fingers are used to monitor sweat output in response to stress.
It is used in the treatment of stress, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
electrophototherapy
Phototherapy (treatment of diseases by light) in which the source of the rays is an electric light.
electroradiology, radiotherapy
A former term for medical radiography and radiotherapy.
electroshock therapy, electroshock treatment, EST
1. The passing of a small electric current through the brain to induce a seizure, used in the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders.
2. A treatment of certain mental disorders by passing an electric current of 85-110 volts through the brain.
3. The use of electric current to produce unconsciousness or convulsions in the treatment of psychotic disorders; especially, depressive disorders.
4. The induction of convulsive seizures by the passing of an electric current through the brain.
2. A treatment of certain mental disorders by passing an electric current of 85-110 volts through the brain.
3. The use of electric current to produce unconsciousness or convulsions in the treatment of psychotic disorders; especially, depressive disorders.
4. The induction of convulsive seizures by the passing of an electric current through the brain.
It is sometimes used in the treatment of acute depression.
electrosleep therapy
A technique designed to induce sleep; especially, in psychiatric patients, by administering a low-amplitude pulsating current to the brain.
Electrosleep therapy is said to be beneficial for patients with anxieties, depressions, gastric distress, insomnia, personality disorders, and schizophrenia.
electrotherapeutic current
Any of three types of electric current, which, when introduced into biologic tissue, is capable of producing specific physiologic changes.
The three types are direct monophasic, alternating biphasic, and pulsed polyphasic electric current.
electrotherapy apparatus
Equipment for applying electric current to the body for massage or heat treatment.
electrotherapy, electrotherapeutics
1. The use of electricity in treating musculoskeletal dysfunction, pain, or disease.
2. The use of low-intensity electricity to treat insomnia, anxiety, or neurotic depression.
3. Using an electrode with a point or surface from which to discharge current to treat the body of a patient.
4. Applying electric current to the body for massage or heat treatment.
2. The use of low-intensity electricity to treat insomnia, anxiety, or neurotic depression.
3. Using an electrode with a point or surface from which to discharge current to treat the body of a patient.
4. Applying electric current to the body for massage or heat treatment.
electrothermotherapy
The therapeutic heating or treatment of bodily tissues produced by the passage of electric currents through them.
eleotherapy
The treatment of diseases by the administration of oils given internally or applied externally; oleotherapy.
emanotherapy, emanotherapeutics
An obsolete treatment of various diseases by means of radium emanation (radon), or other emanation.
Occlusion of arteries by insertion of blood clots, Gelfoam, coils, balloons, etc., with an angiographic catheter; used for control of inoperable hemorrhage or preoperative management of highly vascular neoplasms.
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