On this month's Round the Corner: I welcome the argument about ECT

Abstract

SUMMARYA recent review of research in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression, for which I was the first author, found that only 11 placebo-controlled studies have even been conducted, all pre-1986. Our review concluded that they were so flawed that the meta-analyses that relied on them were wrong to conclude that ECT is effective. This commentary responds to a critique of the review by Ian Anderson. Some valuable comments are acknowledged and several errors or misunderstandings rectified.

ChatGPT on ECT

“…Specifically, while the experiences of patients receiving ECT and their carers are primarily positive, 4 the Internet and social media disproportionately display a negative portrayal of the treatment, emphasizing side effects and memory loss in particular 5 . Indeed, unlike most medical treatments, ECT has to contend with a strong oppositional movement in the UK, United States, and other countries 6,7 . These perceptions are often replicated in the more widespread media of film and television, which can be difficult to counteract 8,9 .…”

“…5 Indeed, unlike most medical treatments, ECT has to contend with a strong oppositional movement in the UK, United States, and other countries. 6,7 These perceptions are often replicated in the more widespread media of film and television, which can be difficult to counteract. 8,9 There is, arguably, even less scrutiny of social media platforms where misinformation is more challenging to address.…”