Voices From Within: A Study of ECT and Patient Perceptions
Voices From Within: A Study of ECT and Patient Perceptions
Abstract:
This study examines ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) patients' own perceptions
concerning their treatment and after effects. Research concerning memory
loss and cognitive problems as a result of ECT has focused on researchers'
ideas about what is important in assessing memory loss and cognitive damage.
This study is an attempt to give ECT patients and survivors a voice of their
own, from the perspective of those who have experienced the treatment.
Contents:
Introduction
Review of the Literature
Background, Research Methods
Analysis
Conclusions
About the author:
Juli Lawrence, MA, is a freelance journalist, specializing in health-related topics. Her educational background includes degrees in journalism and Russian language/literature, and graduate work in cultural anthropology. She received bilateral ECT in 1994 and is Bipolar I. While she has no medical research background, she is trained in scientific research methods, learned during her graduate studies in anthropology.
She worked for several years in social services, primarily in public relations, but also did prevention work among adolescents. She is the co-author of a manual for prevention workers on combating substance abuse during adolescent pregnancy.
She recently presented a paper at the 45th National Conference on Mental Health Statistics in Washington, D.C and will be speaking on the issue of involuntary treatment in St. Louis, Missouri in July.
She may be reached at juli@i1.net and will answer all queries and comments regarding this report.
