An exploration of the patient's experience of electro-convulsive therapy in mid-twentieth century creative literature: A historical study with implications for practice today

BackgroundUnderstanding a patient's subjective experience of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) is important. Creative literature may both express such experiences and influence how ECT is perceived since scenarios and characters in literature become incorporated into cultural stereotypes and mythologies. Clinical discussions with patients and their families suggest that One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest still has an impact on their perceptions of ECT, and therefore still has clinical relevance today. This study aims to explore experiences of ECT through creative literature focussing on novels from the 1960s.MethodStudy of three novels depicting ECT in their historical context.ResultsVarious factors identified in the books studied may be associated with reluctance to accept ECT as a treatment, in particular images related to electricity.LimitationsSince this is a historical survey rather than a clinical research project, and is based on creative literature, it may not reflect 21st century reality.ConclusionsFear of electricity and other factors in the practice of ECT in the past may still be important in the acceptance of ECT as a clinical treatment. This warrants further qualitative exploration.