Paris Jackson Details 9 ECT Treatments as 858-Patient Study Finds Worse Outcomes for Women
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 20
Paris Jackson Details 9 ECT Treatments as 858-Patient Study Finds Worse Outcomes for Women
1 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 20
Summary
Nine electroconvulsive therapy sessions in three weeks left Paris Jackson with sharp head pain and memory gaps, she said, after undergoing treatment when she was close to attempting suicide.
An Aug. 10 study of 858 participants across 44 countries found women were less likely than men to report mood improvement after ECT and reported worse outcomes, including short- and long-term memory loss.
Women also reported more pressure to consent—36.8% versus 22.4% for men—and only 15% said they would want ECT again, compared with 29% of men.
ECT remains in use for treatment-resistant depression and other severe conditions because it can work quickly, but side effects can include confusion, amnesia, headaches and cardiovascular strain during the procedure.
Study co-authors, including former patients, said the findings show trauma and abuse histories are often overlooked and called for either tighter FDA regulation or an outright ban.