Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

For patients unable to take medication, which therapeutic option provides relief from depressive symptoms?

1. Light therapy.

2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

3. Herbal supplements.

4. Electroconvulsive therapy.

The correct answer is: Electroconvulsive therapy.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment option for individuals who cannot take medications due to various reasons, such as severe side effects or contraindications with other health conditions. ECT involves the application of electrical currents to the brain, which induces a controlled seizure and can lead to significant improvements in depressive symptoms, particularly in cases of major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression, or depression with psychotic features. This therapeutic approach has a well-established efficacy, especially for severe depression where rapid intervention is needed. ECT can lead to quick symptom relief compared to traditional antidepressant medications, which often take weeks to start working. Additionally, ECT is considered safe for many patients, including those with comorbidities that might complicate pharmacotherapy. Other options, while potentially beneficial in certain contexts, do not demonstrate the same level of efficacy or appropriateness for all patients unable to take medication. For instance, light therapy is typically used for seasonal affective disorder and may not be effective for all types of depression. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs primarily target pain and inflammation rather than depressive symptoms, while herbal supplements lack robust evidence and can carry risks of interactions or side effects. Thus, ECT stands out as a viable option for those with