Electroconvulsive therapy against the natural will: Some concerns

Publication date: May 2019Source: European Psychiatry, Volume 58Author(s): Laura Marianne Lenzen, Michael GrözingerAbstractIn recent years, the scientific interest in “Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) against the patient’s natural” will has grown. Several publications have reported mostly positive outcomes in cases, where ECT has been implemented against the patient’s natural will. The author’s findings primarily indicate the effectiveness of ECT in non-consenting patients, which confirms earlier findings. All author’s overall presumption turned out to be mainly positive. Within the discussion on involuntary ECT treatment, we missed disadvantageous arguments, which also need to be considered for a balanced judgement. By bringing up the following viewpoint, would like to contribute to a balanced decision making process in cases where involuntary ECT is a legal treatment option.
Source: European Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research