 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
"Without hope, death can establish a foothold. Hope fights fear and nurtures courage. It inspires vision and the work required to realize the unattainable."
--Ron Bassman, member of Support Coalition International and psychiatric survivor
Utah HB109 passes House
added: Tuesday, February 25, 2003
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A bill banning electroshock therapy for children under 14 was approved by the Utah House of Representatives on a 46-21 vote on Tuesday. During electroconvulsive therapy, an electric current is quickly passed through the brain from electrodes attached to the head. Those receiving treatment are put under general anesthetic. The treatment is used for severe mental illnesses, most commonly severe depression.
More
"Cognitive impairment" after ECT treatment for depression
added: Wednesday, February 19, 2003
Spanish scientists have discovered that depressive patients appear to suffer cognitive dysfunction during maintenance treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (M-ECT).A small study published in the journal Psychological Medicine found that depressed patients receiving this treatment experienced impairments in both short-term memory and frontal function.
More
UK ECT case halted
added: Tuesday, February 18, 2003
A High Court test case examining the legality of forcing severely depressed patients to have electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been halted by a judge. It was decided the case could go no further after it was revealed the woman at its centre, known only as K, had improved and no longer needed the treatment.
More
UK High Court to decide fate of forced electroshock
added: Monday, February 17, 2003
Doctors' powers to force severely depressed patients to have eloctroconvulsive therapy (ECT) will be reviewed by a High Court judge this week.
More
Fighting postpartum depression: Descent into darkness
added: Sunday, February 16, 2003
The mothers are searching for their daughters. They are always searching for their daughters, even though their daughters have been dead for more than a year now.
More
Scary Stories: Lou Reed
added: Friday, February 14, 2003
Lou Reed talks about his latest walk on the wild side - a musical exploration of the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe
More
New Zealand ECT Review
added: Friday, February 14, 2003
ECT Review Needed Says Committee: A Parliamentary select committee has concluded a comprehensive review is needed of the safety of electro-convulsive therapy in New Zealand.
More
Kentucky Advanced Directives Bill
added: Friday, February 14, 2003
Kentuckians would be entitled to sign an advance directive indicating what kinds of mental health treatment they prefer, under House Bill 99, approved by the House Health and Welfare Committee yesterday. The bill allows people with mental health conditions to voice their feelings on certain treatments, choose whether they want electroconvulsive or "shock" therapy, and designate someone to make sure their wishes are carried out when they show up for treatment in a crisis, said Sheila Schuster, director of the Kentucky Mental Health Coalition.
More
Committee fails to vote on restricting electroshock therapy
added: Friday, February 14, 2003
A bill that would have banned those under the age of 18 and pregnant women from electroshock therapy was heard by a House committee Thursday night, which decided not to vote on the legislation.
More
Utah HB 109
added: Wednesday, February 5, 2003
Utah HB109 needs your support! Would require data reporting, informed consent, and more. Please take the time to read this crucial bill and contact the sponsoring representative, Rep. Katherine M. Bryson, with your thanks and support.
Mixed response for ECT guidance
added: Saturday, February 1, 2003
Mental health campaigners have welcomed provisional suggestions from government advisors on the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but say further changes are needed to strengthen patient rights. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published its final appraisal document on the use of ECT, which says doctors can use the treatment on individuals with severe depressive illness, catatonia or a prolonged severe manic episode.
Shock therapy becomes popular again
added: Sunday, January 12, 2003
Hear the words shock therapy and you might think of Hollywood movies depicting barbaric treatment of patients trapped in asylums. But shock therapy has come a long way. And now as physicians look for more aggressive ways to help patients with a persistent mental illness, a growing number are returning to this controversial therapy.
Laughter CD for Depression on Sale in Austria
added: Friday, January 10, 2003
A compact disc of people laughing, produced by the Austrian society for depression-related illnesses (OeGDE), has gone on the market in Europe in a serious bid to help patients "see the brighter side of life."
More
MH bill - UK
added: Monday, November 18, 2002
A response to the UK Mental Health Bill
Read response
Jury still out
added: Monday, November 18, 2002
Ever since Jack Nicholson won an Academy Award playing Randle McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, electroshock therapy has had a bad name. While the practice no doubt has seen its better days, the myths surrounding the practice have so prejudiced the general public's opinion that the reality of this practice has been shrouded in fear and mystery.
More
Debate rages over safety of ECT
added: Monday, November 18, 2002
Marianne Ueberschar checked herself into the city's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health two years ago suffering from suicidal depression. Like many older women entering psychiatric wards in Canada, Ueberschar, now 69, was offered electroconvulsive shock therapy, or ECT. She refused, and fought a legal battle with the institution to prevent it from administering the treatment.
Read full story
Forced ECT
added: Monday, November 18, 2002
In the UK, hundreds given ECT without consent, government now admits
Read More
Medical studies
added: Monday, November 18, 2002
Two new articles about medical studies:
Journal articles sometimes misleading: One of world's leading medical journals has put itself and its competitors under the microscope with research showing that published studies are sometimes misleading and frequently fail to mention weaknesses.
More
Separating the gold from the junk: How to become a critical reader of studies.
More
More on fish oil
added: Monday, November 18, 2002
Another report on the benefits of fish oil in the treatment of depression.
More
New Self-Help Booklets Promote Recovery
added: Monday, November 18, 2002
Techniques to help reduce the effects of trauma, make lifestyle changes to positively affect emotional well-being, and build strong relationships are a few of the issues addressed in a series of new self -help guides developed to help people with psychiatric disabilities. The booklets were released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
How to order these free booklets
New Consumer Perspectives Study
added: Monday, May 27, 2002
A new study from the SURE Institute of Psychiatry (UK) is quite extensive and concludes that consumer dissatisfaction with ECT is much more widespread than is continuously reported. (The industry claims that this voice is no more than a vocal minority, a claim disputed by this study.) The study makes recommendations regarding the large gaps in research that exist today. (This is a PDF file, and you need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.)
Consumer Perspectives
Analysis of NY bills
added: Monday, May 27, 2002
Tina Minkowitz has written an analysis of the New York bills that were introduced by Marty Luster concerning ECT.
New York bill analysis
Protestors bring attention to Matthews' plight
added: Sunday, May 12, 2002
Supporters of a man who has received 130 forced electro-shock treatments in three years gathered yesterday for a protest rally outside Riverview Hospital.
Rally
Health Authority launches probe
added: Sunday, May 12, 2002
The newly created Provincial Health Services Authority is beginning its own probe of an elderly Riverview Hospital patient who has received more than 100 electric shock treatments against his will.
At the same time, the Public Guardian and Trustee's office of B.C. is "pursuing and making inquiries" about alternatives to the electroconvulsive treatments that 71-year-old Michael Matthews has received.
Probe
Banned from Riverview
added: Sunday, May 12, 2002
From Vancouver Sun: A woman who has been an advocate for a Riverview Hospital patient over his numerous and ongoing electric shock treatments has been banned from the hospital and ordered not to have any contact with him.
Banned
Read the letter to Butler
"They hurt, I don't want it"
added: Sunday, May 12, 2002
From the Vancouver Sun: 130 shock treatments: 'They hurt, I don't want it' Public trustee's office investigates Riverview case
The Public Guardian and Trustee's office of B.C. is investigating the case of an elderly Riverview Hospital patient who has received more than 130 electric shock treatments over the past three years, sometimes as often as every few days.
They hurt
ECT-induced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
added: Sunday, May 12, 2002
A new article about how ECT induces PTSD and what can be done to aid recovery, from David Armstrong. I strongly believe this is an effect of ECT that is almost always overlooked, so this is an important article to read! (PDF format - can get a free reader at Adobe.com if you don't already have it)
Michael Matthews Updates
added: Sunday, May 12, 2002
Michael Matthews, the elderly man in Vancouver at Riverview Hospital, has had at least 130 shocks. The Vancouver Sun continues to report the story on its front page and apply pressure to the folks at Riverview. The CEO of Riverview has resigned, although the official story is that it was due to restructuring. You may remember Riverview coming under fire last year when a psychiatrist there went public with his concerns over the increased use of ECT after the government increased payments for the procedure. That psychiatrist was fired, with the hospital saying it had nothing to do with his whistleblowing efforts.
Michael Matthews updates
Server changes complete!
added: Sunday, May 12, 2002
The ect.org website has been moved to new servers in Canada - if you find any errors, please let me know. Additionally, the Let's Talk Discussion Forum has a new URL, so if you've bookmarked it and keep going to a 404 page, the new URL is http://www.ect.org/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi
New stats from Ontario
added: Saturday, March 23, 2002
Don Weitz has compiled new stats from Ontario on the use of ECT, plus its use on women.
Ontario statistics
Vancouver man needs help against weekly forced shocks
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
Michael Matthews receives ECT every Friday against his will. You can help fight back by emailing those in charge and expressing your outrage over this continuing human rights violation. A hospital employee was the first to sound the alarm about Michael, saying the ECT is causing rapid deterioration.
Michael Matthews
1st Person Project
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
This new database will attempt to document the experiences of persons who have had ECT. If you've had it, good or bad, join the project and leave your story.
1st Person Project
Death of ECT
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
In Italy, where it began more than 62 years ago, ECT has almost been abolished. In some countries, however, ECT is still used inappropriately, particularly in elderly patients. There is no medical, moral, or legal justification for ECT, and the new requirements of modern psychiatric practice can all be achieved without it. Like prefrontal lobotomy and all previous shock treatments, ECT is non-viable. The death of ECT will help promote mental health and put the treatment where it belongs - in the archaeology of science. From the journal Advances in Therapy by the always wonderful team of Youssefs.
Death of ECT
Links Directory
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
I've redone the links section and turned it into a directory - you can easily add your own links. So....fill it up.
Links Directory
New York issues new report
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
FORTY PERCENT of ECT patients in the state of New York receive ECT under court orders, according to a new survey released by the state.
More
New Hall of Shame Entry
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
Lying for fun and profit, by Linda Andre, director of CTIP. Welcome Harold Sackeim into the Hall of Shame!
Harold Sackeim
Jolt to the brain
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
"The image isn't easily eradicated from memory -- malcontent Randall McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) writhing in agony while undergoing shock treatment in 1975's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Yet shock treatment -- or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), as its practitioners dub it -- isn't barbaric, as that classic movie moment might have us believe."
From The Washington Times
Nutritional supplements in bipolar disorder
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
A new study on using nutritional supplements in bipolar has shown some success. Although the study was very small, the results may be promising: "For those who completed the minimum 6-month open trial, symptom reduction ranged from 55% to 66% on the outcome measures; need for psychotropic medications decreased by more than 50%."
Read the study
Accompanying commentary
Herbal Treatments for Memory Deficits from ECT
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
Herbal Treatments for ECS-Induced Memory Deficits: A Review of Research and a Discussion on Animal Models - this article discusses the problems of memory loss during ECT and reviews the use of traditional herbal methods in combatting the deficits. From Journal Of ECT.
The Study
Alternatives
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
This article examines alternative therapies such as St. Johns Wort and ginko in mood disorders and their role in memory problems: Alternative therapies are widely used by consumers. A number of herbs and dietary supplements have demonstrable effects on mood, memory, and insomnia. There is a significant amount of evidence supporting the use of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) for depression and Ginkgo biloba for dementia. Results of randomized, controlled trials also support the use of kava for anxiety and valerian for insomnia. Although evidence for the use of vitamins and amino acids as sole agents for psychiatric symptoms is not strong, there is intriguing preliminary evidence for the use of folate, tryptophan, and phenylalanine as adjuncts to enhance the effectiveness of conventional antidepressants. S-adenosylmethionine seems to have antidepressant effects, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid, may have mood-stabilizing effects. More research should be conducted on these and other natural products for the prevention and treatment of various psychiatric disorders.
Alternative therapies
Hormone testing
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
An interesting piece from BBC News: In this small study, a researcher claims that a hormone test prior to ECT can determine who will benefit and who will be harmed from ECT. As it stands now, it's all a crapshoot, with the outcome only known post-ECT.
Hormone testing
Commentary on ECT in Scotland
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
Alex Doherty has written to Richard Norris of the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH). In the letter, Doherty comments on the publication "ECT in Scotland."
Commentary from Alex Doherty
Abolished
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
ECT has been abolished in the Republic of Slovenia.
Abolished
Informed Consent
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
From Dr. John Breeding: Abstract: Informed consent is a vital issue in all forms of medicine, especially in psychiatry, where patients are often in extremely vulnerable states of mind, customary practice involves high risk to patients, and the law allows for abrogation of traditional civil rights based on judgments of perceived mental incompetence. This article addresses informed consent related to the practice of electroshock. The author argues that genuine informed consent for electroshock is nonexistent because psychiatrists deny or minimize its harmful effects and, as long as the threat--overt or covert--of involuntary treatment exists, there can be no truly voluntary informed consent. The author discusses four primary ways psychiatry violates informed consent in electroshock practice and presents an outline of important information to know about electroshock. An annotated review of the research is provided to back up each of the author's assertions about medical effects and lack of efficacy of electroshock.
Read it
Lake Alice Legacy
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
The terrible legacy of Lake Alice (New Zealand): In Niuean, the message said: "I have been given electric shock by the people, Mum. The pain is very bad."
Legacy
Darkness and Light
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
Into the Darkness Into the Light: Local patients report radically different effects from electroshock therapy. An extensive article from Newsday.
Full story
Both sides welcome review
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
From the UK: News that the national institute for clinical excellence (Nice) has been asked to deliver a definitive verdict on the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has led to rare agreement between psychiatrists and service users on the controversial practice.
Few medical treatments have so divided health professionals and service users as ECT. While regarded as a lifesaver by most psychiatrists, many former patients believe that it is barbaric and has ruined their lives. However, both the pro and anti lobby have welcomed the Nice review, believing its appraisal guidance will raise standards of practice.
Review
Pamphlet withdrawn
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
Distribution of a pamphlet on electroconvulsive therapy (shock treatment) published by the Mental Health Division of the Health Department of West Australia, has been discontinued, following a complaint.
Pamphlet
UK Lawsuit
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
UK man is awarded half a million pounds in lawsuit settlement, after ECT leaves him paralyzed and with speech difficulties.
Lawsuit
Sunday Times
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
From the Sunday Times of London: Some countries refuse to use it. Scientists have little idea how it works, and precious few doctors have been properly trained to administer it. But in contrast with much of the rest of Europe, patients in Britain are routinely sedated and shot through with electricity, in an attempt to fix their troubled minds. The horror stories surrounding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) abound. This is the poet Sylvia Plath's grimly eloquent account from her autobiographical novel The Bell Jar: ''Don't worry,' the nurse grinned down at me. 'Their first time, everybody's scared to death.' 'I tried to smile, but my skin had gone stiff, like parchment. Doctor Gordon was fitting two metal plates on either side of my head. He buckled them into place with a strap that dented my forehead, and gave me a wire to bite.
Full article
ECT and suicide
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
Retrospective controlled study of inpatient ECT: does it prevent suicide?
Background: This study examined the use of ECT among inpatients who committed suicide at a provincial psychiatric hospital. Methods: A total of 45 psychiatric in-patients who committed suicide at a provincial psychiatric hospital were compared with a gender, age and admission diagnosis matched group of 45 hospitalized patients to examine the use of electroconvulsive therapy during the last 3 months of hospitalization. Results: No difference in the utilization of ECT was found in the two groups. Limitations: Retrospective design and small sample size. Conclusions: We failed to demonstrate that ECT had prevented suicide in hospitalized patients. Future prospective studies with large sample size are needed to further examine this question.
Sharma study
Riverview psychiatrist fired
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
More on the Riverview scandal: A psychiatrist at Riverview Hospital says he has been fired for blowing the whistle on "greedy" colleagues and trying to protect elderly patients. Dr. Jaime Paredes, who alleged last year that some doctors at the institution were performing needless electro-shock therapy to plump their bank accounts, said he was told a week ago his contract was being terminated.
Fired
Point/Counterpoint
added: Thursday, March 14, 2002
Taking a stand against ECT, Tom Keen of Plymouth University:
ECT is ineffective, unsafe, cruel and crude and causes patients to experience severe and disabling psychological side effects - anything from social unease to memory loss. We have absolutely no idea how shock treatment works, yet it is being administered in this country in a way that is, at times, completely cavalier.
For ECT, Psychiatrist Mark Salter:
Yes, the effects of ECT often don't last very long, but I would rather have six or seven weeks relief from a psychiatric illness than none at all. Also, at least two people I have given ECT in the past five years are still well now. (ed comment: two patients in five years is not something I'd be bragging about)
Second Opinion
'Beautiful'-but Not Rare-Recovery
added: Tuesday, March 12, 2002
John Nash's Genius Is Extraordinary. Recovering From Schizophrenia Is Anything But. Psychiatric researchers who have tracked patients after they left mental hospitals, as well as a growing number of recovered patients who have banded together to form a mental health consumer movement, contend that recovery of the kind Nash experienced is not rare.
Recovering from schizophrenia
Electrical lobotomy
added: Tuesday, February 26, 2002
Psychiatrist and author Peter Breggin says shock treatment is little more than an electrical lobotomy.
Breggin says electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) causes brain damage - and, he says, most psychiatrists know it. From the Kenora Enterprise (Canada)
Full story
Debate still rages...
added: Tuesday, February 26, 2002
But ECT has made a comeback, mostly in the treatment of depression related symptoms. In 1997 Ontario doctors billed OHIP for 12,400 treatments. That is a jump from the 1993-94 figure of 9,506. Patients usually receive two to three treatments per week for two to four weeks.
Debate
Survivor continues to speak out
added: Monday, February 18, 2002
Wayne Lax from Kenora is a psychiatric survivor. He spent from the mid 1960s until 1992 in and out of hospitals in Kenora, Thunder Bay and Winnipeg. During those hospital stays he was subject to about 80 shock treatments. He was prescribed various medications at various times without any monitoring of the results of those medications. At one point he was on 17 different medications that were supposed to overcome his depression. He was also consuming alcohol on a regular basis.
During this period Wayne held a taxi license and this was his occupation between hospital stays. At no time during the 25 years of treatment did his occupation change because no one made any steps to get his license revoked.
Speak out
He was high as a kite
added: Monday, February 18, 2002
Wayne Lax shouldn't have been 'flying high' in his taxi - but he was. Lax says he drove cab in Kenora from 1959 till 1986, including much of the period during which he was under medication and receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also known as shock treatment.
Physicians and doctors are required by law to inform the ministry of transportation if they believe a patient is medically or mentally incapable of driving.
High as a kite
Shock therapy hindered recovery
added: Sunday, February 17, 2002
A Kenora man who says he endured almost 25 years of progressive memory loss, coupled with hallucinations and bouts of confusion and depression, thinks he shock treatment he underwent may have contributed to his troubles.
Hindered
Kenora Man Takes to World Stage
added: Sunday, February 17, 2002
His story centres on what he believes to be the inappropriate use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or shock treatment. ECT is a recognized psychiatric tool, but it has come under increasing scrutiny as survivor after survivor has come forward to relate personal stories about its often profoundly damaging effect.
His story
On a crusade
added: Sunday, February 17, 2002
Lax who suffered from deep depression and extreme alcoholism after the death of his brother was treated by doctors with two types of medical practises. One involved pharmaceuticals arid the other was electro-shock therapy. At one point he was on 17 different drugs per day and all the while was shock treated 80 times in that period of time. With that in mind one would think that he was incapable of driving and that medical professionals would have notified the Ministry of Transportation of his constant impairment.
His crusade
Quick and easy, she was told
added: Sunday, February 17, 2002
As a psychologist, Theresa, 64, helped countless people cope with mental health problems but never experienced them herself. Until, at age 59, a major depression hit. Her own psychoanalyst dumped her. She just said "can't help you any more, you're too far gone. You're no longer my patient," Theresa says. Theresa's colleagues recognized the symptoms of depression and recommended hospitalization inpatient experience with disdain. "The doctors were very condescending. There was no psychotherapy at all. They didn't believe in that. They only wanted to treat me with drugs."
People behind the stories
Wayne Lax speaks out against shock
added: Sunday, February 17, 2002
I spent 25 years in a state of confusion and despair. My brother died and I turned to alcohol. I had 108 admissions, and approximately 80 ECT treatments. They were treating me for an addiction; they did this with ECT treatments; the doctors kept giving me more and more medication (every drug under the sun), up to 17 different pills per day. As a result of the shock treatments, I am missing large portions of my memory and suffer chronic severe back pain from not enough relaxants.
Speaking out
"I don't want to knock anybody. I want change."
added: Sunday, February 17, 2002
Wayne Lax of Kenora, after 25 years haunted by alcoholism, extensive drug therapy, and more than 80 shock treatments, is now taking a stand against impaired driving.
But it's not specifically drinking and driving he has his sights on - Lax said patients taking prescription drugs also pose a hazard on the road.
"I don't want to knock anybody. I want change."
Wayne Lax's Comeback Story
added: Sunday, February 17, 2002
Wayne Lax doesn't remember his wedding day. He doesn't remember his suicide attempts. He doesn't even remember much about his son.
That's because over a 25-year period he was in hospital 108 times, medicated with up to 17 pills a day, and subject to 80 electroconvulsive shocks.
Full story
Paul Henri leaves Pilgrim!
added: Tuesday, September 18, 2001
This morning, Paul Henri Thomas left Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center and entered his new home -- a community residential facility.
While not settled yet in his home, Paul is at last free... Free from more forced electroshock, free from more than two years of captivity in Pilgrim Psychiatric Center.
Full story
Radio show Sunday morning
added: Saturday, September 8, 2001
I'll be on CKLN radio in Toronto Sunday morning. The show starts at 11:30 am (Eastern Time). I'll be discussing the recent forced shock cases in St. Louis and more.
Listen Live
ECT in Texas
added: Monday, August 27, 2001
Were you treated in a Texas hospital between 1993-2001? If so, please consider filling out this important form for an ongoing investigation of Texas hospitals and ECT.
Texas
Electric shock suit condemns hospital
added: Thursday, August 16, 2001
Lucille Ashby's fatal journey through California's mental health system began in 1997, when a Tehama County judge found her incompetent to stand trial for hitting her husband on the head with a sugar bowl.
The 77-year-old woman's life ended five months later, following what her daughters describe as a nightmarish odyssey.
Lawsuit
More forced ECT in St. Louis
added: Wednesday, August 15, 2001
A woman by the name of Betty Suggs has had four electroshocks against her will, and is scheduled for eight more. Your URGENT help is needed to try and stop this injustice.
Betty Suggs
Shock Doc Roster
added: Saturday, July 28, 2001
Support Coalition International today organized the "Shock Doc Roster" to collect names of psychiatrists who use electroshock, train others to use it, or refer patients to those who do. If you would like to add a name to the ongoing roster, please read the instructions to do so. The term "shock doctor" is used in honor of Ernest Hemingway, who used it in anger while being forcibly electroshocked in 1961. He committed suicide a few days after release.
Shock Doc Roster
SCI resolution on electroshock passed today
added: Saturday, July 28, 2001
Support Coalition International today passed a resolution condemning electroshock as a human rights violation. The Board of Directors agreed that electroshock "directly violates section 5 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights which outlaws "cruel, degrading and inhumane treatment or punishment", and the UN Convention Against Torture."
Resolution Against Electroshock - A Crime Against Humanity
More Newsday coverage
added: Saturday, July 28, 2001
Newsday carried another article on the use of electroshock in New York.
Shocking Treatment
Electroconvulsive therapy's return stirs debate on use
Dr. John Breeding testimony
added: Saturday, July 28, 2001
A new hearing was held July 18 in New York at the State Assembly, with persons providing testimony. Dr. John Breeding testified on the issues of informed consent, competency and much more.
Dr. Breeding's testimony
Sweet Words that Hurt
added: Thursday, July 19, 2001
Many persons exercising or seeking coercive power in the name of mental health care justify their actions by the supposed "lack of self-insight caused by mental illness". This is a circular argument because lack of self-insight is often the psychiatrist's explanation for treatment refusal, and then used to support the diagnosis of mental illness and the proposed treatment. Inability of health professionals to recognize this false logic and the catch-22 this puts people in displays quite a bit of lack of self-insight! by Michael McCubbin, Ph.D.
Sweet Words That Hurt
Why I believe ECT is unlawful
added: Thursday, July 19, 2001
Sarah Panton, who was herself given ECT as a patient, explains why she
believes the treatment should no longer be used. This was a paper presented
at the UK Advocacy Network 2000's annual conference.
Why I believe ECT is unlawful
Testimony of Leonard Roy Frank
added: Tuesday, June 26, 2001
From the recent hearings in New York, the testimony of Leonard Roy Frank.
'I've taken the epigraph for my presentation from a talk on the Holocaust by Hadassah Lieberman, the wife of Sen. Joseph Lieberman, which was rebroadcast on C-SPAN last month. She quoted the Bal Shem Tov, founder of Hasidism: "In remembrance lies the secret of redemption."'
Testimony of Leonard Roy Frank
More forced electroshock in New York
added: Tuesday, June 26, 2001
New York Post writer Douglas Montero has written another excellent piece on the subject of forced electroshock in New York. He reports on allegations that a dozen patients in Queens have been coerced in the last several months, under threat of being shipped to a worse hospital. Equally frightening, Montero reports claims that forced electroshock has dramatically increased since the arrival of one Max Fink.
Electroshock turns Hillside to Hellside
Forced electroshock appeals - June 26
added: Monday, June 25, 2001
The appeals for Paul Henri Thomas and Pam S. will be held June 26 in Brooklyn. A protest will be held concurrently.
Public may attend
Dad's Rights Zapped by the Shock Docs
added: Sunday, June 17, 2001
Another case of forced ECT in New York, this time against a woman who is mentally retarded. Her Brooklyn father is fighting to stop the "treatments."
"The doctor's position is that my opinion is not worth anything in her life," he said in a shaking voice.
Dad's Rights
Involuntary and illegal electroshock in Michigan
added: Friday, June 15, 2001
Ben Hansen, member of the Department of Community Health Recipient Rights Advisory Committee, submitted this report concerning Michigan law.
Michigan law states that a person may not receive involuntary ECT if s/he has no guardian, but probate judges in the state are ignoring the law. This report details cases where the probate judge violated state law in issuing orders that would allow involuntary ECT. Says the author, "Consent laws are made a mockery by judges who rule that individuals are competent when they consent to treatment, but incompetent when they refuse treatment."
Involuntary ECT in Michigan
June 26 protest in Brooklyn
added: Thursday, June 14, 2001
Organizers will stage a public demonstration in Brooklyn on June 26, the day of appeals hearings for two men held in Pilgrim Hospital. This date is also United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Adam Szyszko and Paul Henri Thomas have recently lost cases in New York courts and the appeals hearings will determine if the state of New York may perform electroshock against their wills.
Protest in Brooklyn
New York Daily News
added: Thursday, June 14, 2001
The New York Daily News printed a story on the recent Assembly activities in New York.
Shock Method Eyed
More hearings announced in New York
added: Thursday, June 14, 2001
On July 18, Assemblyman Marty Luster will hold more hearings regarding the use of informed consent and force in the use of ECT.
July 18 hearings
Five new bills announced in New York
added: Thursday, June 14, 2001
Assemblymen Luster and Ortiz of New York have announced the introduction of five new bills that will address issues concerning ECT in the state of New York.
NY Bill Information
Materials from Luster Press Packet
added: Thursday, June 14, 2001
New York Assemblyman Marty Luster held a press conference June 11, 2001, to announce four new bills he has introduced in light of recent problems uncovered in the state of New York concerning electroconvulsive therapy. He provided press packets to the media, which included a release, statement from a relative of one of the persons currently under order to receive forced ECT, a summary of APA findings, summary of a report from Mental Hygiene, and other materials.
Luster Press Kit
Hearings Testimony
added: Thursday, June 14, 2001
From the recent hearings held in New York at the State Assembly, more testimony regarding the effects of ECT and the use of force.
Testimony of Linda Andre, director of CTIP
Testimony of Dr. John Friedberg, Neurologist
Testimony of Anne Krauss, former staff member of the NY OMH
Testimony of Anna Szyszko, sister of a young man at Pilgrim State
NAMI Watch
added: Thursday, June 14, 2001
An exciting new segment of the always-informative Support Coalition International website, called NAMI-Watch. You can check out the latest news about NAMI, an organization that is now trying to battle various consumer/survivor organizations if they don't toe the NAMI party line. Since this website doesn't receive any government funding, it's not at risk. However, some very good programs ARE the target of this new campaign.
NAMI-Watch
New Radio Clips
added: Thursday, June 14, 2001
I've added some excerpts from the recent Gary Null radio broadcasts. Included are several electroshock survivors discussing their experiences, a discussion of the literature, and some interesting comments by psychiatrist Dr. Dan Fisher of the National Empowerment Center.
Radio Clips
Participate in ECT evaluation
added: Saturday, May 26, 2001
Harold Sackeim, dubbed the "electroshock czar," has invited ECT patients who have permanent memory loss to his research center in New York for an evaluation. He says in his many years of research, he's never seen a single case of ECT having a permanent effect on anterograde memory. Feel free to give him a call.
Evaluation
Dr. John Breeding's Testimony in NY
added: Saturday, May 26, 2001
Psychologist John Breeding delivers powerful testimony to the hearings in New York.
Testimony
Missouri Senate calls reporting bill too controversial
added: Saturday, May 26, 2001
I'm befuddled.
New York Post covers hearings
added: Saturday, May 26, 2001
The New York Post continues its coverage of the drama in New York, where Assemblyman Marty Luster reports a 70 percent increase in the use of forced electroshock.
Callous shock docs zap holes in people's lives
Angry Pol Would Rein in Zap-Hapy State Shock Docs
Report on NYC protest
added: Tuesday, May 22, 2001
Rita De Carlo of Mind Aid reports that Monday's protest in New York City was a great success!
Report
WBAI - Gary Null show
added: Friday, May 18, 2001
Friday May 18, 12 to 2 pm Eastern Time, the Gary Null Show. Gary will be featuring a number of shock survivors (including yours truly) and talking about the same-day hearings at the New York State Assembly. You can perhaps listen via the web by pointing your Windows Media Player to:
http://www.wbai.org
And I'd like to wish some great people - Leonard Roy Frank, Dr. John Friedberg, John Breeding, Anne Krauss, and others who will be testifying today - the best of luck. You guys ROCK!
A reminder if you're in the NYC area - Assembly hearings today, major demonstration on Monday.
WBAI radio
Village Voice on NY forced shock
added: Wednesday, May 16, 2001
The Village Voice is now covering the cases in New York concerning Adam and Paul Henri.
Village Voice
Paul Henri and Adam win stays!
added: Thursday, May 3, 2001
The two men in New York fighting forced electroshock have won full stays until an appeals hearing is held in late June. Ironically, June 26 is United Nations International Day in support of victims of torture.
News release from SCI
Lawsuit set to begin
added: Wednesday, May 2, 2001
A strange lawsuit will start mid-May in St. Louis. The plaintiff requested outpatient ECT after viewing the Max Fink video, and ended up shooting a police officer. Stay tuned for this strange story as it unfolds.
Lawsuit
Missouri HB134 passes in committee!
added: Friday, April 27, 2001
This bill would require ECT reporting, and whether you're pro ECT, anti ECT or don't care, you should support this bill. How on earth could anyone NOT want full reporting on the use and outcomes of ECT? Rep. Vicky Riback Wilson was the only person who voted against it.
HB124
More Newsday coverage of Paul Henri Thomas
added: Friday, April 27, 2001
New articles from Newsday on the current status of Paul Henri Thomas' battle against forced electroshock. As of this moment, Paul Henri has a stay, preventing Pilgrim from forcibly electroshocking him.
Newsday
New UK survey of patient experiences
added: Friday, April 27, 2001
The mental health charity Mind has published a new, extensive report on the use of ECT in the UK. Among the findings: nearly 18 percent of those receiving ECT during a three-month period in 1999 did so without providing consent. One of Mind's recommendations is to eliminate the use of forced ECT.
Mind report on ECT
That darn Spikol
added: Thursday, April 26, 2001
Philadelphia columnist Liz Spikol has written a series of smashing columns. The four-part series is called "The Shocking Truth" and should not be missed.
I'm out of words to express how great she is.
Fortunately, Liz isn't speechless.
ECT hearings in NYC
added: Thursday, April 26, 2001
Assemblyman Martin A. Luster (D-125th), Chair of the NYS Assembly Mental Health Committee, has announced a statewide Assembly hearing on ECT. If you would like to testify, fill out the form and mail it to his office.
ECT hearings
Protest to be held in NYC
added: Thursday, April 26, 2001
Radio talk show host Gary Null is organizing a protest to bring attention to the Paul Henri Thomas case, as well as all involuntary treatment. If you're in the New York area, please come. Activists and survivors may be asked to speak.
Protest details
Margot Kidder promotes alternatives
added: Friday, April 13, 2001
Margot Kidder of Superman fame has teamed up with AlternativeMentalHealth.com to promote awareness of alternative methods of healing. I've been impressed by AlternativeMentalHealth.com on several occasions and have felt they offer options we consumers so badly need. I'm delighted that Ms. Kidder has become their spokesperson and will be speaking out to let the public know that there *are* alternatives.
Margot Kidder
The Shocking Truth Part II
added: Thursday, April 12, 2001
Liz Spikol does it again in Part II of her column on the media and electroshock.
Trouble With Spikol
Riverview Report
added: Thursday, April 12, 2001
Riverview Hospital in Vancouver came under heavy fire when it was revealed that increased payments for ECT resulted in increased numbers of ECT treatments at the hospital. A staff psychiatrist attempted to question officials about the increase, but was met with intimidation and stonewalling, and he resigned. This is the resulting report from an investigation. Among the recommendations: start keeping statistics.
Riverview Report
The absurdity of Paul Henri Thomas' hearings
added: Thursday, April 12, 2001
CTIP Director Linda Andre has written a blistering account of the Paul Henri Thomas hearings.
"As long as patients and doctors disagree about the nature, risks and benefits of ECT, and as long as doctors get to define the "right" answers to these questions, everyone is at risk of forced ECT. Persons who have previously had ECT, know about it from personal experience, and will not deny what they know to be true, are most at risk."
What defines incompetency?
The Trouble With Spikol
added: Thursday, April 5, 2001
The Shocking Truth, Part 1. Columnist Liz Spikol cuts to the bone each week with her quick wit and acerbic touch. Thank god shock therapy hasn't affected her ability to write. In this column, she reflects on a viewing of Fox TV's show on electroshock therapy and some of the issues that Fox neglected.
I can't wait til part two!
The Trouble With Spikol
Justice Hall reserves judgement in Paul Henri case
added: Thursday, April 5, 2001
After listening to closing oral arguments yesterday, Justice Hall announced that he is reserving judgment. It is not known when his decision will be announced. Yesterday's entire proceeding took about an hour.
Justice Hall reserves judgement
CTIP Patient Consent Statement
added: Thursday, April 5, 2001
The proposed patient consent statement from Committee for Truth In Psychiatry is now online. CTIP asks that the FDA or other body consider adopting this statement in an effort to provide more informed consent.
Patient Statement
St. Louis news
added: Thursday, April 5, 2001
Channel 11 reports on Missouri HB134, which would require ECT reporting.
View the report
Missouri HB134
added: Thursday, April 5, 2001
The Missouri House of Representatives is considering a bill that would require ECT reporting. Read about the bill and write to Missouri legislators - let them know this is an important bill deserving of their support. (You don't have to be a Missouri resident)
Missouri HB134
National Mental Health Association
added: Thursday, April 5, 2001
The NMHA official policy statement on ECT is strongly worded in its statement, including the need for objective research and a national reporting law.
NMHA statement
The History of ECT
added: Wednesday, April 4, 2001
A look at the beginnings of using electricity as therapy, from its earliest days with electric eels, to the spread of ECT in the United States. Featuring works from Leonard Roy Frank, Richard Abrams and a journal article on the history of ECT in the US.
History
WGBB on Paul Henri Thomas
added: Tuesday, April 3, 2001
The latest in a weekly series of radio updates on the Paul Henri Thomas hearings.
WGBB
More coverage of NY forced shock
added: Tuesday, April 3, 2001
The New York Post has another story from Douglas Montero on the Adam Szyszko hearings.
Mom in tears...
Newsday - more coverage of Paul Henri case
Man Says More Rights Violated
(scroll to bottom of page)
Sister continues to fight
added: Wednesday, March 28, 2001
Adam Szyszko's sister Anna continues her fight against Pilgrim in the continuing attempt to forcibly electroshock her brother. Hearing on March 29.
More
New complaint filed in Thomas case
added: Friday, March 23, 2001
Today a complaint was filed in New York against four staff members of Pilgrim hospital. The complaint alleges that Thomas' civil righs are being continually violated, and seeks injunctions as well as compensatory and punitive monetary damages.
Lawsuit
Disability News Service slams JAMA study
added: Wednesday, March 21, 2001
An editorial from Disability News Service has called into question the credibility of the recent JAMA study (about the high relapse rate of ECT), along with the words of Dr. Richard Glass, who wrote an accompanying editorial. It's not often that the media takes a stand like this - but boy, did writer Leye Jeannette Chrzanowski speak her mind! Yummy.
My Turn: ECT Editorial Casts Shadow on Author and JAMA's Credibility
Things psychiatrists hate
added: Wednesday, March 21, 2001
A new poll from Britian highlights the top ten things psychiatrists hate - electroshock is among them.
Psychiatry's Top Ten
More information on Adam Szyszko
added: Wednesday, March 21, 2001
Adam is another in New York fighting forced electroshock. His next hearing will be March 29, and his sister has released a public statement and asking that supporters feel free to attend the hearing.
Latest News
Newsday - more coverage of Paul Henri hearings
added: Friday, March 16, 2001
"In June 1999, Paul Henri Thomas thought clearly enough to sign a consent form, giving his doctors permission to place electrodes near his temples and send jolts of electricity through his brain as part of his treatment at Pilgrim Psychiatric Center.
He underwent the painful and controversial electro- shock procedure three times, on June 9, 11 and 14. But after that third treatment, he had refused to submit to it again.
That's when his doctors began saying Thomas, 49, no longer had the mental capacity to make decisions on his own, so they obtained a court order to force the electroshock therapy upon him.
The revelation of a kind of Catch-22-the strange circumstance that Thomas was fine when he consented to the procedure but mentally incompetent when he refused it-took center stage at a hearing yesterday to determine whether doctors may again shock Thomas against his will."
Newsday coverage
Suffolk Life on Paul Henri
added: Wednesday, March 14, 2001
Paul Henri Thomas walked into the visiting room on the 4th floor of Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center, Brentwood, carrying an inspirational postcard-sized book of "544 ways to stay upbeat" and a sheet of paper with a drawing of a dove, entitled "the method of non-violence."
Thomas fights for patients' rights.
Shocked and Appalled
added: Wednesday, March 14, 2001
Liz Spikol of Philadelphia Weekly wrote a great column in response to the Atlantic mess: "Shocked and Appalled: If The Atlantic Monthly can't get its facts straight about shock treatments, I suppose it's up to me."
Shocked and Appalled
Patients not being warned
added: Wednesday, March 14, 2001
From the BBC: Patients are not being given enough information or being offered the chance to opt out of a controversial treatment for depression, says a charity.
Patients not being warned
WGBB Radio Update on Paul Henri Thomas
added: Wednesday, March 14, 2001
Frank and Friends at Inner Sight on WGBB radio 1240 AM in New York continues its weekly show on Paul Henri Thomas. The station vows to continue bringing the latest news to the listening audience about the plight of this delightful man. Thank you to the fine folks at WGBB radio 1240 for your persistence and your compassion. Here is a recording of the weekly show in case you missed it.
WGBB
Newsday coverage on Paul Henri Thomas hearings
added: Tuesday, March 13, 2001
From Newsday:
The scribblings of doctors and nurses tell a tale of Paul Henri Thomas, a man they say lapsed into delusions and harassed Pilgrim Psychiatric Center staff until he was given a jolt of electric shock therapy.
The contents of the "progress notes" read by Pilgrim's Dr. Robert Kalani at a hearing before State Supreme Court Justice W. Bromley Hall in Central Islip yesterday formed the bulk of the state's claim that Thomas is better off, and more manageable to staff, when he gets regular doses of electroconvulsive therapy.
Read the full story
New Study in tomorrow's JAMA reveals dismal results
added: Tuesday, March 13, 2001
Tomorrow's JAMA will carry a study by Harold Sackeim, one of the industry's leading promoters (and defender of the "faith" according to Max Fink). The study, Continuation Pharmacotherapy in the Prevention of Relapse Following Electroconvulsive Therapy, says that the relapse rate following ECT is about 50 percent, but in this particular study, the figure is 84 percent - DESPITE the fact that researchers used double the maximal charge output (this is allowed in research only). In fact, nearly 40 percent of those in the study who had this double dose didn't even respond to ECT at all! The relapse rate drops to 39.1 percent when the patient takes a combination of lithium and antidepressant, but the use of lithium with an AD has been successful in treating resistant depression, and recognized for about a decade! This information isn't big news to those who have read ect.org - I've been trying to hammer this point home for quite some time. And even the Associated Press has now picked up on it.
The story is just developing, however, due to some discrepancies between the published data and progress notes that Sackeim sent to NIMH (obtained under Freedom of Information Act). Stay tuned!
JAMA article, wire story and my criticisms of the study
Uninformed Consent
added: Tuesday, March 13, 2001
The Seattle Times has published a disturbing series called "Uninformed Consent," which explores the darker side of research and the people who turn their trust and lives over to researchers, sometimes with tragic results.
Uninformed Consent
New Hampshire HB406
added: Tuesday, March 6, 2001
This bill is gaining support from nearly everyone but those who stand to profit. HB406 will prohibit ECT on children under the age of 16. New Hampshire organizers are urging those who have had ECT to tell their stories to concerned parties, particularly the legislators who sponsored the bill.
HB406
Outspoken psychiatrist resigns!
added: Tuesday, March 6, 2001
Dr. Jaime Paredes of Riverview Hospital in Vancouver resigned, saying his concerns about the increase of electroshock against the elderly since payments were increased were met with roadblocks and intimidation.
Doctor's Departure
NAMI continues to come "unglued"
added: Tuesday, March 6, 2001
The firing of NAMI editor Dan Weisburd and subsequent censorship over two articles he wrote continues to shake things up among some of the ranks, as well as other organizations around the country. It would be a great sitcom episode if it wasn't so damn tragic. This is the organization that claims to work for persons diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, yet their history seems to suggest the opposite. You can view the pages yourself - see where and how they glued the publications together, in a desperate attempt to keep members from reading Dan's important articles. And not only that, they used persons from a voc rehab center to do their dirty work! Officials at the rehab center say they feel TRICKED by NAMI. This entire saga is just too weird to believe, but it's true. Go see for yourself!
NAMI keeps coming unglued
Newsday on Paul Henri Thomas
added: Monday, March 5, 2001
His New Battle: Patient takes fight against electric shock treatment to court
Newsday
New York Post on forced shock
added: Monday, March 5, 2001
The New York Post carried a commentary on the situation at Pilgrim State where Paul Henri Thomas and Adam Szyszko are being forcibly shocked. Says the Post:
"And that's the irony of the issue.
OMH for years has allowed mental patients to give their "informed consent" to be used as guinea pigs and get electroshock.
But when they refuse a treatment, like Thomas did, the doctors, with support from judges, decide they're incompetent."
Damn! That pretty much sums it all up! BRAVO, New York Post!
Family Up in Arms over Psych-Hosp Zap Therapy
Radio Show - WGBB update on Paul Henri Thomas
added: Monday, March 5, 2001
WGBB radio in New York is featuring weekly updates on Paul Henri Thomas, the man at Pilgrim State Hospital on Long Island who is being forcibly electroshocked. The radio station vows it will continue with the weekly programs at 9 Eastern time each Monday until Paul Henri is safe. I'm archiving the shows in case you've missed the live version.
Radio Updates
Radio Shows
added: Tuesday, February 27, 2001
WGBB on Long Island, New York carried a GREAT program that featured Sherry Taub, a New York activist, and PAUL HENRI THOMAS! (He's the man at Pilgrim being forcibly electroshocked currently) He's difficult to understand at times due to his French accent and the effects of the THIRTEEN psychiatric drugs he's on, but it's a great interview. A MUST LISTEN!
WGBB
KUCI in Irvine, California has a weekly show on Mondays called Mind...Your Own Business, where they discuss mental health issues. I was the guest for this show and talked about ECT, Paul Henri, forced ECT and more.
KUCI
Bedlam at SouthPointe
added: Tuesday, February 27, 2001
More on the bad conditions at Tenet-owned SouthPointe Hospital in St. Louis, where Kathleen Garrett was forcibly electroshocked last summer.
Bedlam at SouthPointe
Radio Shows Monday
added: Sunday, February 25, 2001
Mind... Your Own Business - I'll be discussing mental health issues and more from 5-6 pm PACIFIC time (7pm Central, 8pm Eastern) on KUCI FM 88.9 in Irvine, California.
http://www.kuci.org/
Hear a discussion of forced ECT, including what's going on in New York at Pilgrim State Hospital. 6:30 pm Pacific time, 8:30 pm Central, 9:30-10 pm Eastern time.
http://www.wgbb.com/
Psychology Today
added: Sunday, February 25, 2001
Overcoming the Impossible
My Journey Through Schizophrenia by Ronald Bassman, Ph.D. Ron is a fellow member of Support Coalition International and a practicing psychologist. If you read one thing this year, this is the article to read! I cannot put into words how this article made me feel - many of us can relate so well to what Ron writes about the dehumanization and humiliation we feel in the system. In an eloquent and compassionate style, he tells stories of horror, but also stories of hope and empowerment. This article will touch you, but it will also inspire hope. I urge you to take a copy of this article to your own doctor, even anonymously mail it to those who have harmed you. You never know when someone will read it and have a spark of self recognition.
Overcoming the Impossible...
NAMI & censorship - again
added: Sunday, February 25, 2001
NAMI not only censored critical information that needs to be shared, it fired the editor who wrote it!
NAMI
More forced electroshock in NY
added: Sunday, February 25, 2001
This time it's Paul Henri Thomas, a black Haitian immigrant. They just can't quit at Pilgrim State Hospital, can they? Executive Director Alan Weinstock lied to Paul and to activists workin on his case, saying they would allow Paul some time to help his attorney prepare for battle. Why is this surprise early morning shock a familiar theme? Write Alan Weinstock and demand an answer!
Paul Henri Thomas
Tenet in trouble again
added: Sunday, February 25, 2001
Once again, Tenet Healthcare Corporation finds itself in trouble over its management of its psychiatric facilities. This time it's SouthPointe Hospital in St. Louis. SouthPointe was one of two Tenet-owned hospitals involved in the horrible treatment of Kathleen Garrett, an elderly woman who was forcibly shocked last summer. State and federal officials issued a damning report against the hospital and threatened to shut it down. Tenet agreed to make changes in order to avoid shutdown - but doesn't that sound familiar coming from them? Sounds rather hollow to me.
Tenet's troubles
Time Magazine
added: Sunday, February 25, 2001
The old treatment has come a long way since Cuckoo's Nest. But some still question its safety...this is a very fair, balanced article by Time writer John Cloud. It's nice to see the media listening to the real issues for a change instead of acting as cheerleader for the electroshock industry.
Time
Stuff
added: Sunday, February 25, 2001
You can now order tshirts, sweatshirts, mugs and mousepads at the ect.org giftshop. There are three designs to choose from, plus other shopping extravaganzas. Go shopping and help support this website!
The giftshop
It's a New You 2001
added: Sunday, February 25, 2001
Check out the New You 2001 book feature. This section of the ect.org bookstore features books on making changes in 2001 and improving your life: getting in shape, changing your life, alternative medicine, relationship skills and more.
It's a New You 2001
Book of the week
added: Saturday, February 10, 2001
I've redone the bookstore and will be bringing you the ect.org book of the week. If you've read a book that had an impact on you and would like to write a review, just email me at juli@ect.org. (Note: these don't have to be books critical of ECT....they can be pro-ECT, innspirational or whatever you like.) I'm also going to be adding a bookclub in the future where people can discuss their favorite books.
ect.org bookstore
Book of the Week
Music from an electroshock survivor - LeNor Barry
added: Thursday, February 1, 2001
If you haven't yet listened to LeNor Barry, please do so. She's available at mp3.com for free. Her music is beautiful and haunting, and she identifies herself as a shock survivor. Her latest album is Healer With a Twist, and I cannot recommend it highly enough!
LeNor Barry at mp3.com
Discussion Boards are back! Let's Talk!
added: Wednesday, January 24, 2001
The message boards are BACK! As you may know, Casual Forums shut down a couple of months ago, and many of you have written to me asking that I find another place for people to post and discuss. So last night I put up a message board of my own, using the Ultimate Bulletin Board system. It's still in the beginning stages and I'm sure there will be some bugs to work out, but head on over and start talking. It's called "Let's Talk" and hopefully will be a good place to continue discussions.
Let's Talk!
Electroshock Sims!
added: Tuesday, January 23, 2001
If you've never played The Sims before, you won't have any idea what this is about. But if you're a Sims player, you may find this of interst. I'm not much of a gamer, but I admit an attraction to The Sims game. I can't really explain it - it's addicting. You control the outcomes, you create the characters (including making people out of real-life friends and foes if you like) and just get hooked. So it had to happen....I did a Sims game with a Doctor Evil (any resemblance to my own shock doc is purely coincidence!) and me as the heroine. At first I was just playing around, but in creating my own skins, realized a tutorial was needed for Mac players who wanted to convert skins and make their own, so I added a tutorial. I decided I might as well share the skins I made, plus the storyline. In lieu of the occasional hate mail and virus mails that people send me when they don't like what I have to say, why not download the Juli Sims character and burn her in a fire or do whatever you like. It's good therapy and a great way to work out your anger towards me. And so much more effective (hint: those virus emails that you send don't affect Macs, and I don't open attachments unless they're from my mom anyway).
My Sims Page with tutorial, saga and skins
Empowerment
added: Sunday, January 21, 2001
I've put up a lot of new information on the self help section: articles on alternative treatments, empowerment and some new fun things to do to divert attention from depression.
Self Help
Higher Payments = exploding ECT rates in Canada
added: Saturday, January 20, 2001
Riverview Hospital in Vancouver is under investigation after a staff psychiatrist spoke out against the spike in ECT treatments on the elderly there. The government increased payments by more than $60 (Canadian) per shock, and the number of treatments more than doubled. He attempted to speak with hospital administrators and his efforts were not....appreciated.
Canadian insider speaks out!
added: Saturday, January 20, 2001
A Riverview employee I'm calling Bob has contacted me and is blowing the whistle on elder abuse. It's a heartbreaking story, and still developing...
Atlantic Monthly
added: Friday, January 12, 2001
The Atlantic Monthly published an article on ECT and controversy has erupted. Read the article, and click on Post and Riposte to leave your thoughts.
Forced electroshock on Long Island
added: Wednesday, January 10, 2001
The young man on Long Island who was being forcibly shocked has won a stay! His appeal will be heard on March 29. You can still help by writing/calling key people in that state - the public outrage worked in the case of Kathleen Garrett - now it's time to help someone else! Are you 'shocked' that forced ECT happens? These are only the few cases of many that are brought to your attention - because they're FIGHTING BACK. Max Fink sums it all up pretty well, when he says we're the psychiatrists and we get to decide. Go here to listen.
Several news items and general interest articles
added: Sunday, December 10, 2000
* Ex-patients want end to shock treatment
* Shocking treatment still torture for some
* She was shocked
* Electroshock therapy revised
* More on the psychiatrist who angrily resigned from the APA
Informed Consent
added: Saturday, December 9, 2000
A huge new section on the issue of informed consent, including consent forms and patient info booklets from around the US. Also includes some interesting audio comments by Max Fink on the subject, as well as some information from Abrams on avoiding liability.
Informed Consent
I blog
added: Saturday, December 9, 2000
My own burst of 'I don't know what' called etcetera, where I allow myself to ramble. You can also check out my mood of the moment!
Blogger
More self help
added: Saturday, December 9, 2000
I have added quite a few new things to the self help section. Some more articles on the use of omega 3 oils in treating depression, bipolar and schizophrenia, plus some other alternative treatments.
Censored at Amazon!
added: Saturday, December 9, 2000
I've reorganized the ect.org bookstore and added lots of new books. As a special treat, I'm featuring a review by Linda Andre, head of CTIP, of Max Fink's book "Electroshock." Read the review that was BANNED by Amazon! (http://www.ect.org/books/store.html)
Eye Magazine
added: Friday, December 8, 2000
Tom Lyons of Canada's Eye Magazine has written an excellent piece on the subject. This is a must read!
Shocking Treatment
CKLN Radio
added: Friday, December 8, 2000
I did an interview on radio CKLN in Toronto recently and you can hear the interview using Real Player (free download).
Listen
Kathleen Garrett court transcripts now online
added: Saturday, December 2, 2000
The court transcripts from Kathleen Garrett's hearing are now online (with her full permission). Despite their threats, Tenet Healthcare Corp. has not sued me yet.
Garrett transcripts
Tenet's threats against me
The Kathleen Garrett story - think forced electroshock doesn't happen?
Time to Abandon Electroconvulsion as a Treatment in Modern Psychiatry
added: Saturday, December 2, 2000
An article from the British journal Advances In Therapy: Time to Abandon Electroconvulsion as a Treatment in Modern Psychiatry. "We suggest that ECT is an unscientific treatment and a symbol of authority of the old psychiatry. ECT is not necessary as a treatment modality in the modern practice of psychiatry."
Cast your ballot!
added: Friday, December 1, 2000
Have you voted yet? Check out the virtual votes that survey experiences and attitudes. It's not scientific, but it's fun. And speaking of votes....the final vote is in! What new hairdo did the people decide for Richard Abrams?
Industry pushes for higher power
added: Friday, December 1, 2000
A frightening movement is underway, and you can help! The ECT industry is putting pressure on the FDA to relax restrictions concerning ECT devices in the US. Leading the charge is none other than the man who stands to financially gain the most from all of this, Richard Abrams. Read his article that challenges the FDA to ignore federal law and simply do what he says. And then use the easy letter generator and send an email to the FDA asking that they NOT bend the law, and not give in to the industry's request, until these devices are TESTED in controlled, legitimate studies.
Shocked! TV
added: Friday, December 1, 2000
Lots to watch at Shocked! TV. News shows, talk shows, radio shows - all the multimedia concerning ECT and the issues.
You'll hear personal stories of people who have had ECT (good and bad), as well as various doctors talk about the subject. And, the famous "Caught on tape" of Dr. Charles Kellner telling a few fibs. Listen to Max Fink talk about the power of psychiatry....and much, much more!
Shocked! TV
