MEMORY LOSS

The main side effect which can occur with ECT is some loss of memory. Not everyone necessarily suffers it, but patients who have had ECT reports gaps in memory for certain past events. Usually the memories return within a few days or weeks but, in rare cases, people complain of permanent memory gaps. In those who do have memory loss, this often takes the form of a gap in memory for the period of time which the ECT treatment was given.