Second Option

In the early 1900’s, there were few medications used to treat diseases. Schizophrenia was being studied to determine what it was along with determining effective medication. As a result, other treatments surfaced while finding successful medications for the disease. It’s been proven by many that advancements in medications help to treat those suffering with a disease, such as schizophrenia. Over the years, medications became popular and were proven successful. Many agree with the statement, “Antipsychotics⁴ are the mainstay of treatment of schizophrenia” (Canady, 2016, p. 6). ECT is considered a second option compared to psychotic drugs/medication. ECT treatment is a second option because it is considered only after pharmaceutical treatments have been attempted with non-sufficient results.

The medication clozapine⁵ is highly recommended for treating schizophrenia. However, it can produce significant side effects. Slurred speech, lack of concentration, anxiety, and confusion are some examples. Clozapine is the only medicine of proven value, but 30%-70% still respond poorly to it (Grover, Charkrabarti, Hazari, & Avasthi, 2017). ECT is used as a second-line treatment. It is used primarily if there is a failure or intolerance of antipsychotic treatment. Many who suffer from treatment-resistant schizophrenia use ECT because they don’t respond to medication. The treatment was labeled unsuccessful due to its bad reputation in the 1900’s when it was still new and very little was known. It contributed to the worsening of the clinical picture (Fablet-Vergnaux, Loirat, & Vanelle, 2003).

Using medication is seen as an easy and safe way to obtain treatment. It is not as intensive and demanding as ECT may require one to be. The use of antipsychotics to treat a disease like schizophrenia is backed up by medical professionals. Medications like clozapine have become the first option in treating schizophrenia. The medication has a growing reputation as being a successful treatment for schizophrenia.