The family of a patient about to undergo electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is concerned about how the treatment will affect their loved one's memory. They meet with the psychiatrist and ask questions. What is the psychiatrist likely to tell them?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Psychiatrists will typically inform families of patients undergoing ECT that memory problems are typically of short duration. While there may be some loss of memory following the treatment, this is usually temporary and resolves within a few weeks or months. The psychiatrist may explain that the benefits of ECT often outweigh the risks of memory loss, as the treatment can be highly effective in treating severe depressive or manic symptoms. However, they are unlikely to suggest that memory loss is actually a benefit, as this is not a common or widely accepted perspective on the effects of ECT.

The Family of a Patient About to Undergo Electroconvulsive Therapy