Patients' perspectives on electroconvulsive therapy: systematic review.

Abstract

To ascertain patients' views on the benefits of and possible memory loss from electroconvulsive therapy. Descriptive systematic review. Psychinfo, Medline, Web of Science, and Social Science Citation Index databases, and bibliographies. Articles with patients' views after treatment with electroconvulsive therapy. 26 studies carried out by clinicians and nine reports of work undertaken by patients or with the collaboration of patients were identified; 16 studies investigated the perceived benefit of electroconvulsive therapy and seven met criteria for investigating memory loss. The studies showed heterogeneity. The methods used were associated with levels of perceived benefit. At least one third of patients reported persistent memory loss. The current statement for patients from the Royal College of Psychiatrists that over 80% of patients are satisfied with electroconvulsive therapy and that memory loss is not clinically important is unfounded.