New Global Study Alleges Electroconvulsive Therapy Causes Significant Memory Loss and Permanent Brain Damage

New research involving 286 families reveals that 73% of ECT patients suffer lasting memory loss. Explore the urgent calls for reform in psychiatric risk disclosure.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 4:55 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

Questioning the Safety of Electrical Psychiatric Intervention

The medical community is facing renewed scrutiny regarding the long-term impact of electroconvulsive therapy after a major international study documented widespread reports of cognitive impairment and emotional trauma. Published in the journal Psychology and Psychotherapy, the research serves as the largest survey of its kind, aggregating the observations of 286 relatives and friends of ECT recipients. While nearly half of the respondents noted some improvement in specific psychiatric symptoms, a parallel 42 percent argued that the electrical intervention actually exacerbated the underlying mental health issues, suggesting a high rate of therapeutic failure.

The Prevalence of Lasting Cognitive Impairment

Data gathered from families highlights a significant gap between clinical expectations and the reality of post-treatment life. According to the study, between 51 and 73 percent of relatives observed profound memory loss in their loved ones, with the majority stating these deficits persisted for at least three years. This duration leads many families and researchers to conclude that the damage is not a temporary side effect but a permanent neurological injury. Dr. Chris Harrop, a clinical psychologist and the study’s first author, characterized the historical lack of inquiry into family perspectives as a scandal, noting that their accounts of negative outcomes are deeply alarming.

Beyond Memory Loss: Emotional Blunting and Social Impact

The adverse effects of the therapy appear to extend far beyond simple forgetfulness, impacting the core personality and independence of patients. Approximately 79 percent of families reported that patients struggled with basic concentration, while 73 percent witnessed emotional blunting, a condition where individuals lose the ability to feel both joy and sadness. This psychological numbing, combined with a reported 72 percent loss of independence, creates a significant burden on caregivers. Professor John Read from the University of East London noted that relatives are typically the ones left to manage the fallout when a patient’s ability to work or maintain relationships is compromised.