Debate on the Administration of Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT)
There is an on-going debate regarding the administration of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT). On the one hand the perception is that ECT is a high-risk, low-benefit procedure. On the other hand it is regarded as effective, safe and often life-saving particularly for severe treatment resistant depression.
Section 59 of the Mental Health Act 2001 provides for the administration of ECT to involuntary patients who are unable or unwilling to consent. In such cases the programme of therapy must be approved by the treating consultant and approved by another consultant psychiatrist. There is a view that ECT should only be administered with the consent of the patient. This practice would require the removal of Section 59 (1)(b) of the 2001 Act. The effect would be that a small number of patients (estimated 50) could not be administered ECT although it might be considered the appropriate treatment and perhaps life-saving. The proposed Mental Capacity Legislation may be relevant in such cases.
To inform Deputies and Senators and facilitate discussion, the Minister for Disability and Mental Health, Mr John Moloney, T.D., arranged for a briefing from representatives from both sides of the debate to take place in Leinster House on 23rd February (against) and 9th March 2010 (for). Both briefings were chaired by Minister Moloney and included time for questions and discussion.
23rd February
Presentation by Dr. Pat Bracken, Consultant Psychiatrist
Presentation by Mr. John McCarthy, service user
Presentation by Mr Paddy McGowan, service user and activist
9th March
Presentation by a representative of College of Psychiatry of Ireland
Mr John Redican, National Service User Executive (NSUE)
Another service user representative also spoke on the day
The College of Psychiatry of Ireland also circulated an ECT Information Pack
