CAN I REFUSE ECT TREATMENT

You are entitled to have the reasons for recommending ECT therapy explained to you and to have your views taken strongly into account. In rare cases, a psychiatrist may decide a patient is not able to give consent.

For people compulsorily detained in hospital under the Mental Health (Scotland) Act either a 28-day or a six-month 'section', a Second Opinion Doctor from the independent Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland must agree before a patient is given treatment without clear consent. This is also the case with anyone who has come into hospital through the courts.

If you have any doubts about having ECT, get independent advice if you possibly can.

Speak to a friend or relative, or see the back page of this leaflet for a request form and details of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland and other organisations who might be able to give help and information.

If you are currently a hospital inpatient, you could ask staff to arrange for you to speak to someone from outside.