Concerns raised over ECT in teenagers

Leading psychologist Professor John Read, from the University of East London, has recently voiced serious concerns about the use of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in teenagers.  

ECT, a treatment where electric currents are passed through the brain to induce seizures and alter the brain chemistry, has been linked to memory problems.  

Professor Read, writing in the Journal of Affective Disorders, referred to a new study from Zhengzhou University Hospital in China which found that 69 per cent of teenagers who received ECT experienced memory impairment.

Despite Professor Read’s criticisms of how the study was undertaken, he emphasised that these results should not be ignored, as they highlighted a significant issue with ECT's safety.

Professor Read, from the School of Psychology, noted that similar findings of high memory impairment rates had been reported in other studies and he raised that global guidelines advise against using ECT on children due to risks of memory loss and brain damage.

Professor Read argued that the reports of memory problems in two-thirds of teenagers should be a cause for concern. However, he noted that ECT was rarely used on teenagers in the USA and the UK, with only about one per cent of ECT recipients being under 18.  

Professor Read’s contribution is part of his continuing activities to research and publicise the impact of the over-medicalisation of mental health conditions, including the use of pills and procedures such as ECT.  

The Journal of Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry has accepted his paper entitled “Major adverse cardiac events and mortality associated with electroconvulsive therapy” for publication later this year.

Concerns over antidepressant withdrawal study

As part of his campaigning, Professor Read, along with Dr James Davies from the University of Roehampton, have also raised concerns about a recent study on antidepressant withdrawal. A study claimed that only 15 per cent of users experience withdrawal effects, with just three per cent suffering severe withdrawal.  

In a letter to The Guardian, the academics argued that the numbers were misleading.

They pointed to their own research, which found that 56 per cent of users experience withdrawal symptoms, with 25 per cent experiencing severe effects. They believe the recent study might give false reassurance to doctors and patients.

The authors highlighted that the recent findings emerged from short-term studies, many funded by drug companies, and participants who used antidepressants for an average of just 25 weeks. In reality, many people take these drugs for years, not just weeks or months, which increases the risk and severity of withdrawal, they wrote.

Professor Read's work highlights the importance of carefully evaluating mental health treatments to ensure patients are fully informed about potential risks and benefits. He advocates for safer practices and greater transparency.

Professor Read is currently conducting the first-ever international online survey of people who have received Electroconvulsive Therapy, and their relatives. View the survey on the website.