The Nomenclature of Electroconvulsive Therapy

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Medical Terminology
• Stigma Reduction

Background:

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective psychiatric treatment but faces significant stigma.
• Proposed alternative names for ECT often aim to mitigate this stigma.
• Existing literature lacks analysis of the risk/benefit ratio or evidence-based efficacy of alternative names.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate proposed alternative names for ECT based on specificity, accuracy, understandability, and popularity.
• To identify evidence-based strategies for combating ECT-related stigma.

Main Methods:

• Literature review using a snowballing technique for proposed ECT names.
• Database searches (Medline, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, PubMed) to assess name popularity and relevance.
• Focused search on "ECT and stigma" to find effective counter-stigma methods.

Main Results:

• Fourteen alternative names for ECT were identified; nine omitted terms associated with stigma.
• No evidence suggests alternative names enhance patient-doctor or doctor-doctor communication.
• Education and direct experience are identified as evidence-based methods to combat ECT stigma.

Conclusions:

• Retaining the established term "electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)" is advisable for consistent and clear communication.
• Addressing stigma requires evidence-based approaches like patient education and professional experience, not name changes.