Page 523 - Understanding Psychology

Figure 17.12 Deinstitutionalization
Over the past three decades the national policy has been one of deinstitutionalization. Deinstitutionalization refers to the release of patients from mental hospitals. These patients rejoin the community to attempt to lead independent lives. How has the number of days patients spend in mental hospitals changed since 1980?
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 1980 1985 1990 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Year
Source: American Hospital Association, Chicago, IL, Hospital Statistics, 2000 edition, annual (copyright).
While these drugs are effective for helping normal people cope with difficult periods in their lives, they are also prescribed for the alleviation of various anxiety-based symptoms, psychosomatic problems, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The major effect of Valium, Librium, and Miltown is to depress the activity of the central nervous system by stimulating the action of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
If antianxiety drugs are taken properly, the side effects are few and consist mainly of drowsiness. However, prolonged use may lead to dependence, and heavy doses taken along with alcohol can result in death. These drugs do reduce anxiety, but the best use seems to be for dealing with acute rather than chronic anxiety. (Mellinger, Balter, & Uhlenhuth, 1985).
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), commonly called shock treat- ment, has proved extremely effective in the treatment of severe depres- sion, acute mania, and some types of schizophrenia (Koop, 2001). No one understands exactly how it works, but it involves administering, over several weeks, a series of brief electrical shocks of approximately 70–150 volts for 0.1–1.0 seconds. The shock induces a convulsion in the brain similar to an epileptic seizure that may last up to a minute.
Many people consider ECT a controversial treatment. In the past, it was not always used judiciously. As a result, some people experienced extensive amnesia, as well as problems with language and verbal abilities. Today, electroconvulsive therapy entails very little discomfort for the patient. Prior to treatment, the
Reading Check
What is the major effect of antianxiety drugs?
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): an electrical shock is sent through the brain to try to reduce symptoms of mental disturbance
Chapter 17 / Therapy and Change 509
Days in hospital per 1,000 population