SHOULD I HAVE ECT?

This booklet is for:

• People who have been recommended by their doctor to have ECT (Electro Convulsive Therapy)
• Friends and relatives giving support to someone for whom ECT is being considered

It may be particularly helpful for someone who is not sure whether to agree when their doctor has suggested ECT.

This booklet may also be useful for:

• People who are currently well but who think they might possibly be recommended for ECT at some future date - for example, people who suffered one or more bouts of serious depressive illness in the past
• Professional workers advising people where ECT may be sometimes recommended

The booklet has been researched and written by people who themselves have had mental health problems. It is neither for nor against ECT, but gives the 'pros and cons,' and provides information about what actually happens when someone has ECT.

It can be hard to read a booklet when you are ill or when there are difficulties. If so - just look at the summary list on the next page and at those parts of the booklet which seem most important. Try to arrange for a relative, friend, professional or voluntary worker to read the booklet and discuss it with you.