Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

If a patient in late life cannot take antidepressants, which treatment is commonly practiced?

1. Radiation

2. Vitamins

3. Exercise

4. Electroconvulsive therapy

The correct answer is: Electroconvulsive therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is commonly practiced for patients who are in late life and unable to take antidepressants. This form of treatment is particularly effective for severe depression, especially in older adults who may have contraindications to medication, such as adverse drug reactions, polypharmacy concerns, or specific health conditions that make the use of antidepressants risky. ECT is known for its rapid therapeutic effects, which can be crucial for those who may be in a crisis or at risk of self-harm. It works by inducing controlled seizures through electrical impulses in the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression, particularly in cases where other treatments have failed or cannot be used. Other options are less commonly practiced for treating severe depression. While exercise can be a beneficial adjunct to treatment and has some evidence supporting its positive effects on mood, it is generally not sufficient as a standalone treatment for significant depression in older adults. Vitamins might offer some benefit in terms of overall health or mood enhancement but do not have strong evidence supporting their efficacy in treating depression on their own. Radiation is not a treatment modality for depression and is not relevant in this context. Thus, ECT stands out as a viable and effective alternative treatment for managing severe depressive episodes in patients who cannot