However, there is a question as to whether unilateral is as effective. A 1985 NIMH Consensus Conference concluded that while some memory loss is frequent after ECT, it is estimated that one-half of 1 percent of ECT patients suffer severe loss. Memory problems usually clear within 7 months of treatment, although there may be a persistent memory deficit for the period immediately surrounding the treatment. The scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of the treatment has been firmly established in the professional literature. However, ECT is like all other treatments.
Doctors often underplay the potential side-effects.
In addition, it is sometimes prescribed for conditions it is not medically appropriate for. And like other treatments, the effective is not always permanent. Like with medicines, ECT is not used once and you are better forever. Maintenance ECT may be required. Some of these activists have attacked the treatment itself when it is really the doctor who delivered the treatment who was at fault.