stop elettroshockA Study of ECT and Patient Perceptions

Conclusions

Critical to the understanding of ECT and its outcome is to give a strong voice to those who have undergone this treatment. True informed consent is crucial in order to give patients the chance to make an educated decision about the treatment of their illnesses. Many patients continue to express their dismay in learning that they have suffered more severe side effects than doctors prepared them for.

It is hoped that this study will act as a catalyst to further research, one which will continue to listen to the patients of ECT.

References

Durr AL, Golden RN (1995) Cognitive effects of electroconvulsive therapy: a clinical review for nurses. Convulsive Therapy 11(3):192-201.

Reid WH (1993) Electroconvulsive therapy. Tex Med 89:58-62.

Frith CD, Stevens M, Johnstone EC, Deakin JF, Lawler P, Crow TJ (1987) A comparison of some retrograde and anterograde effects of electroconvulsive shock in patients with severe depression. Br J Psychol 78 ( Pt 1):53-63.

Williams KM, Iacono WG, Remick RA, Greenwood P (1990) Dichotic perception and memory following electroconvulsive treatment for depression. Br J Psychiatry 157:366-72.

Calev A, Gaudino EA, Squires NK, Zervas IM, Fink M (1995) ECT and non-memory cognition: a review. Br J Clin Psychol 34: 505-515.

Squire LR, Slater PC. (1983) Electroconvulsive therapy and complaints of memory dysfunction: a prospective three-year follow-up study. Br J Psychiatry 142:1-8.

Freeman CP, Weeks D, Kendell RE. (1980) ECT: II: patients who complain.
Br J Psychiatry 137:17-25.

[Introduction] [Review of the Literature]
[Background, Research Methods] [Analysis]
[Conclusions]
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