Ethical Implications of Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Review

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, respecting decisions once they have been correctly informed. Although most of the medical literature states that ECT is an effective safe technique, there no conclusive evidence long-term effectiveness. The frequent sometimes persistent side effects such as amnesia imply a profound disturb lived experience, or difficulties regarding informed consent process, allow us conclude bioethical debate about not currently closed, information provided needs be revised.