In this episode, we close out this series by exploring how harm from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been discussed—and often dismissed—over time.

We trace patient experiences from the 1950s through the patient-rights movement, and talk about how informedconsent came to shape what happens after patients report problems.

We explore what it looks like when ECT recipients do get testing, how patients are described in early research and modern textbooks, and end with unanswered emails from ECT survivors asking for evaluation—and what that silence tells us.

Content Warnings

• Forced ECT

• Abuse

• Medical gaslighting

Feel free to skip this episode if these topics are distressing to you.

Fair Use Disclaimer

This episode includes brief excerpts from copyrighted books, publications, podcasts, and public records for purposes of commentary, criticism, education, and public interest journalism under fair use (Section107, U.S. Copyright Act).

This episode discusses medical practices, patient experiences, and systemic issues in healthcare for educational purposes. All cited materials remain the property of their respective copyright holders.This use is transformative and does not substitute for the original works. We encourage listeners to support the original creators.

SHOW NOTES & RESOURCES

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10k5c4FGMbwAS-oCdIe9x0bmxYF4MmFYC/view?usp=sharing

Life After ECT Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of those harmed by ECT through advocacy, education, and research.Learn how you can support our work.

🎵 Music Credits:

Intro/Outro:"Naya Instrumental" by Tomh

Artist:@tomh_music

Track:https://soundcloud.com/tomh_music/naya-instrumental

Used under free license with attribution

#Breakingcodesilence #ISeeYouSurvivor

Why are people harmed by ECT so often ignored — even when they reach out directly to researchers?

Content Warnings: Brief mention if abuse and suicide.

In this episode, we continue reading emails from injured ECT patients who reached out to government-funded researcher Harold Sackeim, only to have their pleas for help ignored.

Sackeim had publicly invited people experiencing memory problems after ECT to contact him—but, according to author Linda Andre, he later testified that he discarded 175 of those messages.

Through these stories, we dig deeper into the history of why people harmed by ECT are so often not beleived.

this is for educational purposes only. I’m not a medical professional, and nothing here should be taken as medical advice. I’m sharing my understanding of the public record and other published works on this topic.

Show Notes:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C_PesMA4_CFCPkLXojJWSjP8ipq9SGTGo2r5KBeo5Oo/edit?usp=sharing

🎵 Music Credits:

Intro/Outro: "Naya Instrumental" by Tomh

Artist: @tomh_music

Track: https://soundcloud.com/tomh_music/naya-instrumental

Used under free license with attribution

In this episode, we continue reading emails from injured ECT patients who reached out to government-funded researcher Harold Sackeim, only to have their pleas for help ignored.

Sackeim had publicly invited people experiencing memory problems after ECT to contact him—but, according to author Linda Andre, he later testified that he discarded 175 of those messages.

Through these stories, we dig deeper into the history of why people harmed by ECT are so often dismissed and disbelieved.

Show Notes

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C_PesMA4_CFCPkLXojJWSjP8ipq9SGTGo2r5KBeo5Oo/edit?usp=sharing

Life After ECT Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of those harmed by ECT through advocacy, education, and research. Learn how you can support our work.