Whilst most people are under the impression that electroshock therapy (ECT) is banned ,because the mere idea of electroshock is so abhorrent, its use has significantly increased and it is being used on the most vulnerable in society, children and the elderly.

 

The use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to treat depression should be immediately suspended

On the basis of the clinical trial data, ECT should not be used for depressed individuals

ECT should not be suspended for "some forms of severe mental illness".

( catatonic schizophrenia/ schizophrenia/ severe psychosis / harmful behaviour towards society etc ) ECT should be performed, anesthesia is mandatory while performing procedure

Electroshock is the application of hundreds of volts of electricity to the brain. It can cause severe and permanent memory loss, brain damage, suicide, cardiovascular complications, intellectual impairment and even death.

Electroshock never addresses the cause of a child’s problem, on pregnant women and on elderly offers no cure.

In India since there is a lack of awareness regarding mental health.

Many patient's Relatives do not question the side effects of ECT.

Patient's are beaten, disrespected, including female patients are man- handled, patients undergo verbal and physical abuse, given unhygienic food, there are even scenarios where patients are forced to work , threatened, solitary confinement  for long period of time. There is no proper counselling done , unhygienic food served.Medication are prescribed in huge doses just to make sure there is no disturbance in asylum,where patients will be walking like zombies.

In India, there are many unauthorised rehabilitation and psychiatric hospitals like Thread psychiatric hospital , rural side asylums.

There are many cases where patients are given shock treatment unnecessary, The main aim of shock therapy is to induce memory loss ,in patients who suffer from chronic depression also associated with self and if the patient is harmful for the family and society.

I have witnessed in many hospitals , ECT is used vaguely when not required.

Shock Therapy is becoming trending these days, for neurotic patients, including harmless psychotic patients it is used unethically.

It's time to speak out / spread the awareness/ let's ban unethical use of shock therapy which is practiced when it's not required.

Let us prevent the impact,serious side effects caused by ECT for the safety of our patients 

 

In other countries 

Here are some poignant comments from shock survivors (and their friends and family) to the FDA:

 

“I received ECT in 2015 from a highly respected psychiatric facility. ECT was not only ineffective at sustainably improving my mental health, but it did significantly damage my memory and brain function.”

 

*****

 

“My grandfather, a NASA engineer, was reduced to a vegetative state through “treatment” with ECT. A dear friend of mine survived several rounds of ECT in her younger days and describes it as a horrifying and excruciating experience. This device deserves to be banned from use, not down classified!!”

 

*****

 

“We thought we were helping our daughter. It only has made things worse. It has really affected her cognition and working memory. I wish she had never received ECT.”

I’m signing because I am a survivor of shock therapy. I wasn’t told all the possible risks. Because my depression seemed untreatable with drug therapy, the doctor suggested ECT’s. This ‘therapy’ needs to be stopped.”

 

*****

 

“I’m signing because I was subjected to extensive shock treatment from 1996-2005 as a result of misdiagnosis. The doctors who prescribed it were largely earnest and well-intended, but the consequences were destructive. I strongly oppose the proposed reclassification.”

 

*****

 

“I was labeled treatment resistant and underwent monthly ECT. I have memory problems and suffered an aneurysm, I was lucky to survive.