Which of the following treatments for extreme depression involves sending electrical currents through the brain?

• A. Psychodynamic therapy
• B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• C. Light therapy
• D. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of the treatments listed: Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unconscious processes and past experiences, Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) targets changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, and Light therapy is used primarily for seasonal affective disorder by exposure to bright light.
2. Recognize that the question asks specifically about a treatment involving sending electrical currents through the brain, which is a biological intervention rather than a psychological talk therapy or environmental treatment.
3. Recall that Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure where controlled electrical currents are passed through the brain to induce a brief seizure, which can provide relief from severe depression symptoms.
4. Differentiate ECT from the other options by noting that it is typically used for extreme or treatment-resistant depression and involves direct physical intervention on brain activity.
5. Conclude that the treatment involving electrical currents through the brain is Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), distinguishing it clearly from the other psychological and environmental therapies listed.