Letter: Cured by ECT
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Beware a one-sided approach to a subject as vital as medical treatment ("ECT shocks to the health system", 16 June).
Severely clinically depressed, I accepted 10 treatments of electroconvulsive therapy while in the Royal Masonic Hospital, west London, in 1993. The effect was to kick-start the therapeutic action of my anti-depressant drugs, which until then had failed to work. Numerous fellow patients also improved after ECT.
I lost much (but not all) of my memory of the two months I spent in hospital, and my short-term recall is not what it was before the treatment. But I see that as a very fair price to pay for being able to live a normal life and meet my responsibilities towards my family and society.
Scare stories like your feature will deter patients who, as I was, are severely depressed and suicidal from accepting a procedure that really can save a life.
DAVID J BOGGIS
Orpington, Kent
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments