When people think of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), they tend to think of R.P. McMurphy (played by Jack Nicholson in 1975's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) being, quite literally, shocked into submission. ECT, for many, is a frightening and barbaric process, more closely related to a form of punishment than a therapeutic medical procedure. It's a medical horror story nearly a century old. However, as with all things, a lot has changed in the more than 75 years since ECT was first used. It is no longer comparable to the executioner's electric chair. First, let's look at the ever-present cons of ECT. When first put into practice, electric shocks often caused torn muscles and broken bones, "the routine use of hypnotics and muscle relaxants has eradicated [these] serious complications" (Sienaert 9). Sienaert continues: “Today, headache and nausea are the most common immediate side effects (9). Another, more serious, side effect of ECT is memory loss. Cyrzyk states that “a systematic review of patient experiences. . . confirmed permanent memory loss in at least 30% of cases (24). Cyrzyk goes on to state that “memory disability (loss of working memory) and cognitive disability (loss of higher mental functions of cognition) to varying degrees” (24) should also be included in the list of adverse effects of ECT. Another concern with ECT is informed consent, or lack thereof. Cyrzyk states that “half of the participants reported that they were not given enough information about the ECT procedure and possible side effects” (24). Furthermore, while many think of ECT as a treatment for schizophrenia, schizophrenia patients have shown only “short-term, small but significant improvement” (Sienaert 8). Sienaert...... half of the article...... its underlying pathophysiology and the best opportunities to understand the abnormal brain processes that underlie major psychiatric disorders and their remarkable resolution by inducing seizures (Fink 4) . I can't express a better sentiment on the subject than this. Works Cited Cyrzyk, Tomasz. “Electroconvulsive therapy: why it is still controversial.” Mental Health Practice 16.7 (2013): 22-27. CINAHL Plus with full text. Network. May 14, 2014. Fink, M. “Electroconvulsive Therapy Is Resurrected: Its Successes and Promises After 75 Years.” Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 56.1 (2011): 3-4. CINAHL Plus with full text. Network. May 14, 2014. Sienaert, P. “What We Have Learned About Electroconvulsive Therapy and Its Relevance to the Practicing Psychiatrist.” Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 56.1 (2011): 5-12. CINAHL Plus with full text. Network. May 14 2014.