Dr. Chen's patient has suffered a tragedy, is severely depressed, and reports suicidal thoughts. The patient has been unresponsive to drug therapy. Dr. Chen plans to recommend psychosurgery. Is Dr. Chen's treatment plan likely the best one for the patient?

Question

1. Yes. Psychosurgery has a bad reputation, but it is a proven and effective treatment for severe depression.

2. Yes. Psychosurgery is the patient's only hope, considering drug therapy has not been effective.

3. No. Use of new antipsychotic medications should be considered, as psychosurgery has been largely abandoned as a treatment.

4. No. Electroconvulsive therapy should be considered, as it is known to be an effective treatment for severe depression.

Answer 1

4. No. Electroconvulsive therapy should be considered, as it is known to be an effective treatment for severe depression.

While psychosurgery may be considered in very rare and extreme cases where other treatments have failed, it is generally not the first or preferred option for severe depression. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a well-established and effective treatment for severe depression, especially in cases where patients have not responded to medication. Exploring ECT would be a more appropriate approach before considering psychosurgery.