Long-Term Adverse Effects After Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): A Narrative Analysis Exploring People's Experiences,...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is administered to approximately 2500 individuals annually in the UK.
• Growing evidence suggests long-term adverse effects associated with ECT.
• Few studies have qualitatively explored patients' long-term experiences and adverse effects of ECT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the long-term adverse experiences of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
• To investigate psychological impacts, meaning-making, and coping mechanisms related to ECT.
• To understand the patient perspective on the long-term consequences of ECT.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing narrative analysis of seven participants' stories.
• Exploration of thematic, structural, and performative elements across participants' ECT timelines.
• Focus on pre-ECT experiences, immediate post-ECT changes, and long-term impacts.

Main Results:

• Participants reported feeling misinformed and misunderstood before ECT.
• Immediate cognitive, memory, and mood changes were noted post-ECT.
• Long-term impacts included significant loss (ability, memory, humanity, connection), perceived brain damage, and ambiguous loss, exacerbated by lack of follow-up care and denial of experiences.

Conclusions:

• Long-term adverse effects of ECT, including profound loss and psychological harm, require further investigation.
• Patients' experiences highlight a need for improved informed consent and robust follow-up care.
• Addressing iatrogenic harm and supporting patients' sense of self after ECT are critical service development priorities.