Joint statement by the World Psychiatric Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the European Psychiatric Association, and the Global Expert Task Force on ECT on the portrayal of electroconvulsive therapy in the WHO Guidance on Mental Health Policy and Strategic Action Plans.

Abstract

The World Psychiatric Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the European Psychiatric Association, and the Global Expert Task Force on ECT welcome the WHO's emphasis on rights-based, person-centered, and recovery-oriented mental health policies. However, they express concern that the WHO Guidance contains scientifically inaccurate and misleading statements particularly regarding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). These portray ECT as inherently dangerous and advocate for its restriction or prohibition, thereby reinforcing stigma and potentially limiting access to evidence-based care for severely ill patients. Substantial scientific evidence shows that ECT is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment, supported by decades of research and international clinical guidelines. Although acknowledging global variations in regulation and access, the associations stress that denying ECT in life-threatening situations, including in children and adolescents or in patients who lack decision-making capacity, would be unethical. The authors call on WHO to integrate robust scientific evidence and lived experience into future guidance.