What Do Relatives Think About Electroconvulsive Therapy?

April 22, 2026 - 02:34

A new international survey reveals significant apprehension among the families and friends of individuals who have undergone Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). The study, which gathered responses from 216 relatives and 70 close friends of ECT recipients across 22 countries, paints a troubling picture of the treatment's perceived effectiveness and side effects.

The central finding indicates that a majority of those surveyed did not believe ECT was effective for their loved one. More strikingly, an overwhelming number reported observing memory loss in the patient following treatment. This cognitive side effect was frequently described as severe and, critically, often long-lasting, persisting well beyond the treatment period.

These firsthand accounts from caregivers and close observers challenge clinical narratives of ECT as a safe and highly effective intervention for severe depression and other conditions. The survey highlights a stark disconnect between professional practice and the lived experiences of patients' support networks, who frequently bear witness to the treatment's long-term personal consequences. The data underscores calls for more transparent patient and family education regarding potential risks, more robust long-term outcome studies, and greater support for those dealing with the therapy's aftermath.