Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), a medical treatment for severe mental illnesses, is one of the most stigmatized and misunderstood procedures in psychiatry, mainly due to its portrayal in movies. ECT, once known as electroshock therapy, involves inducing controlled seizures through electrical currents and has shown significant benefits for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, severe bipolar disorder, and certain psychotic conditions. Despite its therapeutic efficacy and advancements in safety, Hollywood has often depicted ECT in a negative, exaggerated, and sometimes horrific light, contributing to public fear and misinformation.
One of ECT’s most iconic yet misleading representations is found in the 1975 film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Jack Nicholson’s character, Randle McMurphy, in this movie, is subjected to ECT as a form of punishment rather than a therapeutic intervention. The scene is brutal, showing McMurphy strapped to a table, writhing in pain without any anesthesia or muscle relaxants, which paints a grim and inaccurate picture of the procedure. This portrayal not only dramatizes ECT but also reinforces the misconception that it is a barbaric, inhumane practice.
Another example is the 1999 film Girl, Interrupted, in which ECT is depicted as a traumatic experience for the protagonist, played by Winona Ryder. The film portrays the therapy in a way that suggests it is used to control and subdue patients rather than to help them recover. These scenes often lack context, failing to explain why ECT might be used or how it benefits certain patients, thereby perpetuating the myth that it is an outdated and harmful treatment.
The problem with these portrayals is twofold. First, they misinform the public about the nature and purpose of ECT. Modern ECT is performed under general anesthesia with muscle relaxants to minimize discomfort and prevent injury. Patients are carefully screened and monitored throughout the procedure, ensuring their safety and well-being. The goal of ECT is not to punish or control but to provide relief from severe, debilitating mental illnesses when other treatments have failed.
Second, these negative portrayals contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health treatments. Individuals who might benefit from ECT may be deterred by the fear and mistrust instilled by such movies. This stigma can prevent people from seeking effective treatment, prolonging their suffering and potentially leading to more severe consequences.
In reality, ECT can be a life-saving intervention for many individuals. Research has shown that ECT can lead to rapid and significant improvements in mood and function, especially for those who have not responded to other treatments. It is a carefully regulated medical procedure with a well-established safety profile.
To counteract harmful depictions in movies, a concerted effort needs to be made to educate the public about the realities of ECT. Mental health professionals and advocates can be crucial in providing accurate information and sharing success stories of individuals who have benefited from ECT. Filmmakers also have a responsibility to portray mental health treatments more accurately and compassionately, highlighting the advancements in psychiatric care and the importance of understanding and addressing mental health issues.
In conclusion, the misrepresentation of ECT in movies has done a disservice to the field of psychiatry and to individuals who might benefit from this treatment. By challenging these myths and promoting accurate, empathetic portrayals of mental health treatments, we can reduce stigma, improve understanding, and encourage more people to seek the help they need.
Information:
https://med.uth.edu/psychiatry/electroconvulsive-therapy-ect/
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