An international survey has revealed that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) causes a much broader and more damaging range of side effects than previously acknowledged, challenging long-held claims about its safety.
The study – The adverse effects of electroconvulsive therapy beyond memory loss: an international survey of recipients and relatives, published in the International Journal of Mental Health – was led by Professor John Read of the University of East London. The paper reports the responses of 747 people who had received ECT and 201 relatives or friends across 37 countries, making it the largest study of its kind to date.
Seventeen of the 25 adverse effects listed in the survey were reported by more than half of both groups. Eight were reported by over two-thirds, including losing train of thought (88%), difficulty concentrating (86%), fatigue (80%) and emotional blunting (76%). Many participants also cited relationship problems, loss of independence and difficulty navigating or finding words. The first four of these effects were described as "severe" by at least 30% of respondents.
Women, people receiving bilateral ECT, and those who had undergone multiple courses were more likely to experience serious and lasting harm. Crucially, the research found no evidence that modern ECT is safer than earlier forms, contradicting frequent claims that contemporary methods reduce risk.
Professor John Read, Professor of Clinical Psychology, said,
"It is a sad indictment of ECT psychiatrists that there has been no interest in establishing the full range of adverse effects from this treatment in the 80 years it has been in use. Given that we don't even know whether it is better than a placebo, it is time to suspend this procedure pending better research, into both efficacy and safety."
Co-author and ECT survivor Lisa Morrison said,
"If any other patient group reported these serious and permanent devastating effects from a medical treatment, there would be immediate action. Yet people who are harmed by ECT continue to be silenced and ignored without access to rehabilitation for their injuries."
The authors urge mental health services to ensure full disclosure of risks before treatment and to offer rehabilitation to those affected. They conclude that the evidence now demands a fundamental re-examination of ECT's place in modern psychiatry.
The paper concluded:
"Researchers and mental health staff should pay attention to a broader range of potential adverse effects than memory loss, to facilitate fully informed consent, the minimisation or those effects where possible, and, where not possible, referral to rehabilitation programmes."
