UK's Shock Therapy Treatment Under Fire Over New Research Revealing Wider Range of Adverse Effects.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Mental Health has raised concerns over electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a treatment long used to treat depression, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions. The research found that ECT may cause more side effects than previously thought, including cardiovascular problems, fatigue, emotional blunting, memory loss, and even relationship issues.
The study, which involved 747 patients who received ECT and 201 relatives and friends, highlights the need for further investigation into the treatment's safety and efficacy. Prof John Read, one of the study's authors, stated that given the lack of conclusive evidence on ECT's effectiveness compared to a placebo, it is "absolutely no chance" of obtaining MHRA approval in the UK or FDA approval in the US if introduced today.
The research revealed disturbing side effects, including heart problems such as arrhythmia, recurring headaches, and emotional blunting. Some patients experienced memory loss, leading to difficulties with everyday tasks like navigating and maintaining vocabulary. Sue Cunliffe, a former patient who received ECT for severe depression, described the experience as "completely wrecked my life," leaving her with slurred speech, shaking hands, impaired balance, and difficulty recognizing faces.
Despite concerns over ECT's safety, some experts argue that it can be an effective treatment for people with severe depression. Prof Tania Gergel, director of research at Bipolar UK, said there is no evidence to suggest modern ECT carries a major risk to physical health or causes long-term brain damage. However, she emphasized the need for more research into side effects like autobiographical memory loss and gaps in personal history.
The study's findings have sparked calls for stronger regulation and increased transparency around ECT treatment. Lucy Johnstone, a clinical psychologist, pointed out that very few people are aware of the treatment's risks and that it is often given to older women who may be vulnerable due to domestic abuse. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has guidelines in place, but more needs to be done to ensure patients receive informed consent and adequate care.
As the debate around ECT continues, experts and advocates alike are urging a thorough investigation into this treatment's safety and efficacy. While some argue it can be life-changing for those with severe depression, others highlight the need for caution and responsible use.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Mental Health has raised concerns over electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a treatment long used to treat depression, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions. The research found that ECT may cause more side effects than previously thought, including cardiovascular problems, fatigue, emotional blunting, memory loss, and even relationship issues.
The study, which involved 747 patients who received ECT and 201 relatives and friends, highlights the need for further investigation into the treatment's safety and efficacy. Prof John Read, one of the study's authors, stated that given the lack of conclusive evidence on ECT's effectiveness compared to a placebo, it is "absolutely no chance" of obtaining MHRA approval in the UK or FDA approval in the US if introduced today.
The research revealed disturbing side effects, including heart problems such as arrhythmia, recurring headaches, and emotional blunting. Some patients experienced memory loss, leading to difficulties with everyday tasks like navigating and maintaining vocabulary. Sue Cunliffe, a former patient who received ECT for severe depression, described the experience as "completely wrecked my life," leaving her with slurred speech, shaking hands, impaired balance, and difficulty recognizing faces.
Despite concerns over ECT's safety, some experts argue that it can be an effective treatment for people with severe depression. Prof Tania Gergel, director of research at Bipolar UK, said there is no evidence to suggest modern ECT carries a major risk to physical health or causes long-term brain damage. However, she emphasized the need for more research into side effects like autobiographical memory loss and gaps in personal history.
The study's findings have sparked calls for stronger regulation and increased transparency around ECT treatment. Lucy Johnstone, a clinical psychologist, pointed out that very few people are aware of the treatment's risks and that it is often given to older women who may be vulnerable due to domestic abuse. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has guidelines in place, but more needs to be done to ensure patients receive informed consent and adequate care.
As the debate around ECT continues, experts and advocates alike are urging a thorough investigation into this treatment's safety and efficacy. While some argue it can be life-changing for those with severe depression, others highlight the need for caution and responsible use.
. I mean, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is supposed to help people with depression or schizophrenia, but now we're finding out it can cause some pretty nasty side effects like memory loss and heart problems 
. And don't even get me started on the fact that it's often given to older women who are already vulnerable 
. It's just not right.
I mean, I know some people swear by it, but the fact that we're still debating its safety and efficacy after all these years is a major red flag 
. We need to take a step back and re-evaluate our treatment options before we start giving out medication (or in this case, ECT) like it's going out of style 
. And can we please have some transparency around what actually works and what doesn't? It's not like we're getting any clear answers from these "experts" 
.
ECT is like that one relative who always shows up uninvited... 
it's like, we get what you're trying to do, but honestly, can't we just find another way? 
I mean, the stats are crazy - 747 patients and 201 relatives all affected by this "shock therapy" 
We need more research on the side effects, like memory loss and whatnot. Can't we just make sure ECT is safe and effective before we start handing out prescriptions? 
. Like, memory loss and emotional blunting? That's crazy! And the fact that some people experience relationship issues too... what kinda impact is that gonna have on their loved ones? 
.
. We just need to make sure we're doing it in a way that's safe and responsible, you know? And that patients are fully informed about what they're getting into 
.
. Maybe more research is the answer? Like, what exactly do we not know about ECT? 
. 747 patients isn't a huge number, right? 
And what's up with the lack of conclusive evidence on its effectiveness? It feels like they're trying to sweep this under the rug 
. I mean, heart problems and memory loss are super serious issues. Can we at least have more transparency about ECT treatment? We need to know what we're getting ourselves into before making a decision 
.
it seems like all these years we've been given the green light to try it out without knowing all the risks 
idk if I'd wanna put myself through that now... but at the same time, I feel for ppl struggling with severe depression 
i mean electroconvulsive therapy is already pretty sketchy but now this new research is like whoa 
they found way more side effects than people thought which is crazy! cardiovascular problems, fatigue, emotional blunting... it's like the treatment can literally mess with your life. i feel bad for the patients who went through this and their families too 
i'm all about supporting mental health but we gotta make sure we're doing what's best for our brains 
. 747 patients, 201 relatives... that's a lot of people affected by this treatment. And some of the side effects are straight-up disturbing - arrhythmia, memory loss, relationship issues... how can we be sure it's safe? 
It's like we're just sweeping this under the rug without giving people a chance to ask questions.
. Are older women with domestic abuse histories being given an alternative? Are people being fully informed about the risks? We can't just keep pretending that this treatment is safe and effective without doing some serious digging 
. We need more research on this and stronger guidelines for patient safety 
and yeah, memory loss is pretty wild... i mean, i can barely remember where i put my keys sometimes, let alone navigate everyday tasks 
plus, arrhythmia? that sounds like a recipe for disaster 
need more research, tbh 
... seriously though, how many more people need to suffer through this before we take action?