Is electroconvulsive therapy legal in the US?

Conclusions: There are no US national laws on ECT leaving individual state governments to regulate treatment. Whereas some states have detailed restrictions on use, other states have no regulation at all.

When did electroshock therapy become illegal?

KIE: Brief background information is presented on the 2 November 1982 approval by voters in Berkeley, California, of a ban on the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in local hospitals.

Do you need consent for electroconvulsive therapy?

Background: In principle, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can only be administered to patients who consent to the treatment. If the patient does not consent, the treatment can be given in exceptional cases, in situations where a plea of necessity can be made.

Is electroconvulsive therapy FDA approved?

As a result of this analysis and with appropriate special controls, the FDA has determined that ECT is a safe and effective treatment.

Do you have to shave your head for ECT?

During surgery prep, you’ll have your head shaved. You may be kept unconscious throughout brain surgery with general anesthesia or stay awake with a local anesthetic used on your scalp. A sturdy frame will hold your head to prevent movement during surgery.

Why is electroconvulsive therapy controversial?

Reasons for Controversy Three reasons are given for the aversion: 1) ECT is considered old-fashioned and politically incorrect; 2) it is forced on the patient; and 3) the memory disturbances are so severe and persistent that no rational human being would undergo this procedure, no matter how well-intended.

Is electroconvulsive therapy ethical?

Results. ECT research is ethically justified and should always continue to be conducted with the highest ethical standards. ECT research entails few ethical peculiarities such as involving multiple sessions were capacity to consent can change. It would be unethical not to conduct ECT research.

What is an ECT scan?

ECT involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia. It is typically administered by a team of trained medical professionals that includes a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist, and a nurse or physician assistant.

Is ECT FDA approved for depression?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today published the final order, Reclassification of Electroconvulsive Therapy Devices; Effective Date of Requirement for Premarket Approval for Electroconvulsive Therapy Devices for Certain Specified Intended Uses, that requires the filing of a premarket approval (PMA) application …

Who makes ECT?

In the US, ECT devices are manufactured by two companies, Somatics, which is owned by psychiatrists Richard Abrams and Conrad Swartz, and Mecta.

What are the legal issues in electroconvulsive therapy?

Legal and ethical issues in electroconvulsive therapy The use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) today has become mired in legal regulations. Obtaining a valid informed consent prior to administering ECT is the duty of the treating psychiatrist; failure to obtain such consent is the most common area of professional liability.

Is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) safe?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most controversial therapies used in medicine today. While some psychiatrists believe that ECT is an effective, life-saving psychiatric treatment, others have grave concerns about its use and the associated side effects.

What is electroconvulsive therapy?

[edit on Wikidata] Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), formerly known as electroshock therapy, is a psychiatric treatment in which seizures are electrically induced in patients to provide relief from mental disorders.

Can a psychiatrist use electroconvulsive therapy without consent?

However, there is an exception regardless of consent and capacity; under Section 62 of the Act, if the treating psychiatrist says the need for treatment is urgent they may start a course of ECT without authorization. From 2003 to 2005, about 2,000 people a year in England and Wales were treated without their consent under the Mental Health Act.