Debunking Myths ECT
This video dives into electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a medical treatment for severe mental health conditions. We highlight the common myths and misconceptions of ECT: it causes brain damage, only treats depression, is a cure for depression, causes memory loss, and is a form of punishment. Through the video, we debunk these myths and highlight the importance of ECT in treating some mental health conditions.
This video was made by McMaster University students Rachela Smith, Shely Patel, and Danaeya Wolfe in collaboration with the Demystifying Medicine McMaster Program.
This video is provided for general and educational information only. Please consult your health care provider for information about your health.
Copyright McMaster University 2024
#electroconvulsivetherapy #ECT #depression #mentalhealth #treatment
References:
American Psychological Association (APA). (2023). What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)? American Psychiatric Association. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ect
Aurora Behavioral Health. (n.d.). ECT: Misconception vs. fact. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Myths and Facts. https://www.auroraarizona.com/ect-misconception-vs-fact
Bailey, K. (2019). Debunked! 4 myths about electroconvulsive therapy for depression. UT Southwestern Medical Center. https://utswmed.org/medblog/electroconvulsive-therapy-depression/
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). (n.d.). Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). CAMH. https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/electroconvulsive-therapy
Enns, M. W., & Reiss, J. P. (1992). Electroconvulsive Therapy. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 37(10), 671–678. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674379203701001
Jolly, A. J., & Singh, S. M. (2020). Does electroconvulsive therapy cause brain damage: An update. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 62(4), 339.
Kellner, C. (2019). Patient education: electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (beyond the basics). UptoDate, April, 16.
Mayo Clinic. (2018). Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/electroconvulsive-therapy/about/pac-20393894
McDonald, W. M., Weiner, R. D., Fochtmann, L. J., & McCall, W. V. (2016). The FDA and ECT. The journal of ECT, 32(2), 75.
McLean Hospital. (2022). Myth Busting: Spreading the Truth About ECT. Mass General Brigham McLean. https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/myth-busting-spreading-truth-about-ect
Medda, P., Toni, C., & Perugi, G. (2014). The mood-stabilizing effects of electroconvulsive therapy. The journal of ECT, 30(4), 275-282.
Thomas, R. K., White, P. J., & Dursun, S. (2018). Treating electroconvulsive therapy–induced mania with more electroconvulsive therapy: Evidence for electroconvulsive therapy as the ultra-mood stabilizer. SAGE open medical case reports, 6, 2050313X18799236.
6 Comments
OMG this is horrific. No. No. No. My younger sister is living with lifelong severely debilitating brain damage from years of repeated ECT. No. I have seen the damage this "treatment" does first hand to someone I love. This video is wildly incorrect and harmful.
No it does cause permanent memory loss. Sorry to burst your bubble. Had to undergo extensive treatments to speak full sentences again.
This is sooo clinically dangerous and inaccurate. Looks like a group of students repeating verbatim what they have been innacurately led to believe
it doesnt cause memory loss, the memory returns after 2-4 weeks. jesus, do these kids listen to themselves ?
Anyone that believes this crap is delusional – i had it and what catatonic for years. It's a barbaric and inhumane practice. "research shows" or "fact" how many "medical experts" say that?
These comments are gold. Keep telling the truth everyone. ECT is well known to cause permanent issues (not just memory loss) among people who have undergone it.