The patient perspective of the consent process and side effects of electroconvulsive therapy

Abstract

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective yet controversial treatment. It is thus important to explore patients' experiences of ECT. Aims: To assess patients' experience of ECT, focusing on the consent process and treatment side effects. Method: Three-hundred-and-eighty-nine patients completed a questionnaire about their experience of ECT as part of a quality assurance programme. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained Results: Almost half the patients reported memory loss after ECT. Overall the consent process was reported as having been adequate, with a possible exception in the provision of written information and discussion about alternatives to ECT and the consequences of not having it. Seventy-two percent of those patients who commented on whether ECT worked, said the treatment improved their condition. Conclusions: Psychiatrists need to improve the informed consent process. Subjective memory loss is very common and persistent memory complaints occurred in a minority. Memory should therefore be closely monitored before, during and after a course of ECT.