Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) - The imposition of ‘truth’?+

Abstract

Within the contemporary psychiatric setting where the controversial operative procedure Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is applied, the identity of the person to be ‘treated’ is positioned at a convergence point of competing disciplines. ECT’s contradictory existence is additionally quantifiable through analysis of official statistical data, where omissions and inconsistencies obscure the contexts and activity of ECT’s administration. Whilst a number of other states have either banned its usage, or applied increasing restrictions, it is proposed bio-medical frameworks in this arena of UK healthcare inhibit rights based policy initiatives. Such frameworks further limit the admission of alternate socio-legal method which is are coupled with evidence bases from service user/survivor experience. The article recognises the need for genuinely collaborative research – rather than research done by consumers for consumers and by clinicians for clinicians. It is positioned to produce a transitional domain between differing perspectives of ECT from evidence based research. The contemporary socio-legal debates about safeguards for excessive treatments, consents, legal status, and the questioning of a person’s capacity also find convergence in ECT’s administration processes, as care becomes interchangeable with authority through its outreach, and intrusion. The article intends to inform further research, and, in the context of the Mental Health Bill [HL]2006, offers recommendations toward the implementation of equality in NHS service delivery. These include proposing structural changes in the clinic accreditation regimes, and the promotion of rights-based measures for inclusion in changes to the Mental Health Bill [HL]2006 from the comparative perspective of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.