Concerns Over Electroconvulsive Therapy Grow as New Research Reveals Wider Range of Adverse Effects
A recent study has raised concerns about the long-term safety and efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a treatment used to treat severe depression and other mental health conditions. The research, which surveyed 747 ECT patients and 201 relatives and friends, found that nearly a quarter of participants experienced heart problems, including arrhythmia, after undergoing the procedure.
While short- and long-term memory loss is widely known as a result of ECT, the new study identified 25 additional concerning side effects, including cardiovascular problems, fatigue, and emotional blunting. These findings have led experts to call for the practice to be suspended pending more robust research into its safety and efficacy.
The study's author, Professor John Read, warned that the lack of conclusive evidence on ECT's effectiveness makes it difficult to justify continued use. "Given that we still don't know if ECT is more effective than placebo, these startling new findings make it even more urgent that it be suspended pending a thorough investigation into both safety and efficacy," he said.
The research also found that nearly three-quarters of participants experienced emotional blunting, with some experiencing relationship problems, difficulty navigating, and loss of vocabulary. The study's authors caution that ECT should not be seen as a "complete cure" but rather one treatment option among many.
Despite the concerns raised by this study, some experts argue that ECT can be an effective tool in managing acute symptoms and reducing risks associated with other treatments. However, they also emphasize the need for more research to understand and minimize potential side effects, such as autobiographical memory loss and gaps from periods of life close to treatment.
As the debate around ECT continues, advocates are pushing for stronger regulation and greater transparency about its use. A recent study found that many people were unaware that ECT was still performed as a treatment, with one-third receiving it against their will. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has guidelines in place to ensure clinicians carefully consider the risks and benefits of ECT before administering it.
The controversy surrounding ECT highlights the need for ongoing research and discussion about mental health treatments. As experts continue to weigh the potential benefits and risks, patients and families must remain informed and advocate for their rights.
A recent study has raised concerns about the long-term safety and efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a treatment used to treat severe depression and other mental health conditions. The research, which surveyed 747 ECT patients and 201 relatives and friends, found that nearly a quarter of participants experienced heart problems, including arrhythmia, after undergoing the procedure.
While short- and long-term memory loss is widely known as a result of ECT, the new study identified 25 additional concerning side effects, including cardiovascular problems, fatigue, and emotional blunting. These findings have led experts to call for the practice to be suspended pending more robust research into its safety and efficacy.
The study's author, Professor John Read, warned that the lack of conclusive evidence on ECT's effectiveness makes it difficult to justify continued use. "Given that we still don't know if ECT is more effective than placebo, these startling new findings make it even more urgent that it be suspended pending a thorough investigation into both safety and efficacy," he said.
The research also found that nearly three-quarters of participants experienced emotional blunting, with some experiencing relationship problems, difficulty navigating, and loss of vocabulary. The study's authors caution that ECT should not be seen as a "complete cure" but rather one treatment option among many.
Despite the concerns raised by this study, some experts argue that ECT can be an effective tool in managing acute symptoms and reducing risks associated with other treatments. However, they also emphasize the need for more research to understand and minimize potential side effects, such as autobiographical memory loss and gaps from periods of life close to treatment.
As the debate around ECT continues, advocates are pushing for stronger regulation and greater transparency about its use. A recent study found that many people were unaware that ECT was still performed as a treatment, with one-third receiving it against their will. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has guidelines in place to ensure clinicians carefully consider the risks and benefits of ECT before administering it.
The controversy surrounding ECT highlights the need for ongoing research and discussion about mental health treatments. As experts continue to weigh the potential benefits and risks, patients and families must remain informed and advocate for their rights.
ECT is a pretty wild treatment, right? I mean, we know it can be effective for some people but the new study just revealed so many other side effects... like heart problems?! 
That's crazy. And what really gets me is that some experts are saying it's not even clear if it's more effective than just taking a placebo 
. Like, why are we still using something with so many unknowns? We need to get to the bottom of this and make sure people aren't being treated without knowing all the risks 
ECT is a pretty heavy topic... i feel bad for all those people who've gone through it & are still dealing with some serious side effects 
25 new side effects? that's wild 
not to mention the heart problems, emotional blunting, and memory loss... it's like a whole other set of issues 
but at the same time, i feel for those who've already been hurt by ECT 
what do you guys think? should we just be cautious with new meds/treatments or is there a way to minimize the harm? 
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ECT is already super sketchy, but these new findings are insane. I mean, who wants heart problems and emotional blunting after a treatment that's supposed to help? 
I'm really worried about people who have to go through this treatment... Electroconvulsive therapy is like a last resort or something, but now that it's been shown to have so many serious side effects, I think we need to be super careful about how it's used. Heart problems and emotional blunting are just too scary. 
And what really gets me is that people are still being given ECT against their will... that's just not right. We need to make sure we're doing everything we can to support patients and families, not just relying on treatments that might be harming them in the long run 
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. We can't just rely on clinicians or researchers to make decisions about our mental health; we need a collective effort to get this right 
, it's just stuck in your memory forever. I mean, all these new side effects are coming to light, and it's like, hold up, let's take a step back and figure this out before we start using it again.
. We need stronger regulations and more transparency about this treatment so everyone can make informed decisions 
. It's like, what's the real deal with ECT? Is it really worth the risks? And what's up with people being told it's a "complete cure" when it's clearly not 
It's time to get real about mental health treatments and make sure we're looking out for each other 
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. On one hand, I get why people are worried about its safety and efficacy - it's crazy that there are 25 new side effects they just discovered! 