Ethical implications of electroconvulsive therapy: a review

Abstract

This article examines in depth whether electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) satisfies bioethics' four healthcare provision principles: nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and autonomy. Treating patients ethically implies protecting them from damages, working to ensure their well-being, and respecting their decisions once they have been correctly informed. Although most of the medical literature states that ECT is an effective and safe technique, there is no conclusive evidence of long-term effectiveness. The frequent and sometimes persistent side effects such as amnesia that imply a profound disturb of lived experience, or the difficulties regarding the informed consent process, allow us to conclude that the bioethical debate about ECT is not currently closed, and the information provided to patients needs to be revised.