Waiting for Oblivion: Women's Experiences with Electroshock

Abstract

This article presents findings and analysis stemming from a two-year qualitative study that explored, in their own voices, women's lived experience of electroshock. Feminist standpoint theory frames and provides the moorings for both the validity and methodology of this woman-centered inquiry. In addition, nurses' experiences with and views of ECT are explored and compared to the experiences reported by the women recipients themselves. Vulnerability and disconnection as emergent themes are presented for the nursing profession's sober consideration. The nurses interviewed believed electroshock culminated in a net gain for patients, but for the majority of the women interviewed, electroshock resulted in damage and devastating loss. This article closes with pressing questions for nurses to ask ourselves as we enter the second decade of this new and promising millennium.

All I have is a void: Women's perceptions of the benefits and side effects of ECT

“…Although relatively few qualitative studies have been conducted, all four of the published qualitative studies -and one published first person's account [11] -have reported persistent memory after ECT [12][13][14][15]. In addition, participants in these studies specifically attribute their memory loss to ECT, not to depression.…”

Electroconvulsive Therapy: Issues for Mental Health Nurses to Consider

“…Coercion does not necessarily mean bullying, but it can involve patients feeling that they cannot refuse or believing that there is no alternative to ECT and nurses using bribery regarding discharge outlook and future prospects or inveigling partners or other family member into promoting the expected positive results. Patients, given their vulnerability and desperation, will succumb and sign (Philpot et al, 2004;Van Daalen-Smith, 2011). On the other hand 86% of Rayner and colleagues (2009) 258 respondents agreed that they did not feel pressurized or forced.…”

“…Gaining informed consent is probably the most challenging process for the nurse, and vexing for patients, at least in retrospect (Philpot et al, 2004;Van Daalen-Smith, 2011). Finch (2005 in his ECT guide for nursing responsibilities claims it "is a dynamic process that is not completed with the signing of a formal document, but .…”

“…Furthermore, in some countries, ECT is not used as a last resort or for medication resistant conditions (Leiknes, Jarosh-von Schweder, & Hoie, 2012). Contrary to these reports, many consumers have found ECT unhelpful, resulting in trading some symptoms for others, traumatizing them, or being a trial they will never repeat (Philpot et al, 2004;Rose, Wykes, Leese, Bindman, & Fleischmann, 2003;Vamos, 2008;Van Daalen-Smith, 2011).…”

“…The loss of autobiographical memories-an inability to recall personal experiences and events-is particularly distressing (Rose et al, 2003;Vamos, 2008;Van Daalen-Smith, 2011). As one research participant reports: "I miss the person that got away from me" (Linda, quoted in Van Daalen-Smith, 2011, p. 464).…”