The Portrayal of ECT in American Movies

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Abstract

To describe the portrayal of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in American films. This has not been systematically studied previously, despite some notorious ECT scenes in the history of American cinema and the impact of films on audiences. All movies depicting or making reference to ECT were identified from a number of sources. Available movies were viewed on at least two occasions. 22 films, beginning with The Snake Pit and ending with Requiem for a Dream, portraying or making reference to ECT were made between 1948 and 2000. 20 (91%) of these movies were obtained and viewed. Having commenced its movie career as a severe but helpful remedy for personal distress, ECT on film has become a progressively more negative and cruel treatment, leaving the impression of a brutal, harmful, and abusive maneuver with no therapeutic benefit.

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Most cited references 14

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The theory and practice of movie psychiatry.

I Schneider (1987)

The depiction of psychiatry in the movies has been a source of concern over the years to many in the profession who feel that a false picture of psychiatrists' work has been presented to the public. In fact, psychiatry in the movies has developed its own characteristics, which only occasionally intersect with those of the real-life profession. This paper outlines the methods and theories of the invented profession of movie psychiatry.

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Electroconvulsive therapy in adolescents: experience, knowledge, and attitudes of recipients.

Nils G. Walter, Pedro J. Rey, K. Köster (1999)

To ascertain the experience, knowledge, and attitudes regarding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) of persons who received the treatment in adolescence. A 53-item survey was administered by telephone to persons who received ECT before the age of 19 years in the Australian state of New South Wales between 1990 and 1998. Twenty-six patients were interviewed. Experiences and opinions about ECT were generally positive. Fifty percent stated ECT had been helpful. Approximately three quarters believed their illness was worse than either ECT or pharmacotherapy. Frequencies of recalled side effects with ECT and medication were similar. Some patients perceived deficiencies in the consent process. A slight majority had attempted to conceal the history of ECT treatment. The vast majority considered ECT a legitimate treatment and, if medically indicated, would have ECT again and would recommend it to others. The findings are consistent with and complement evidence showing ECT to be an effective and safe treatment for seriously ill adolescents. The mostly favorable experiences and attitudes reported by interviewees will be reassuring to adolescent patients, their families, and treating health professionals when ECT is being considered.

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Medical student attitudes and knowledge about ECT.

T. Freeman, Andrew Snow, J Clothier (2001)

We report the results of a survey of second-year medical students concerning attitudes and basic knowledge of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). It appeared that there were significant negative biases against ECT in a portion of the group. Forty percent of the students who participated felt that psychiatrists often misused ECT, while 31% actually thought ECT was used to punish violent or uncooperative patients. Few students knew the typical frequency or duration of treatment or even that it was done under general anesthesia. It was interesting that the group describing themselves as highly knowledgeable about psychiatric illness had a greater bias against ECT. Students in the negative group did not differ in the sources of their information about ECT. The most common sources of this information about ECT were movies or college classes. The results document the need for appropriate coverage of ECT in medical school curriculum.