Electroshock: Not a “Healing” Option

Abstract

In 2005, a public hearing was held on ECT—part of an event called “Inquiry into Psychiatry.” Numerous survivors bore testimony. Explicitly addressing memory, Wendy testified, “I returned home to a family I had no memory of … My social work career had vanished” (Inquiry into Psychiatry, 2005, Electroshock, tape 1). In a different vein, articulating what became of her vibrancy and sense of connection, Paivi stated, “The deep emotions … that … were part of my life … had disappeared. It is as looking through a window, watching the activity going on inside, trying to be a part of that but never really being able to connect—and I have felt like that ever since” (Electroshock, Tape 2). By contrast, focusing on the in-hospital experience, Chris testified:

I was exposed to the usual propaganda … that ECT is now safe and effective. I was shown a short video in the hospital. The video … showed the person … being shocked … The video did not show the person awakening in the recovery room alone and disoriented. (Electroshock, Tape 2)