To the editor,

NAMI members that have had the procedure called ECT/electroshock now have an opportunity to pursue medical malpractice claims or participate in a national product liability suit around ECT devices. Please contact the Baum/Wisner law firm in CA if you are interested in the latter. This procedure has never had FDA testing for safety or effectiveness. The NFL expert, Dr. Bennett Omalu famous for findings of CTE in NFL head injuries, is now the court expert on behalf of ECT patients.

ECT “works” in that following the procedure one experiences memory loss for problems, temporary euphoria, and a failure to recognize the severity and extent of any incurred damages. This is not a mental health improvement. It is a known and anticipated response to an electrical mechanism of trauma resulting in repeated acquired traumatic brain injuries. It has systemic implications to include risks for CTE and ALS. These damages evolve over time. Patients are not adequately warned in consent around these damages. The California courts have proved at a minimum brain injury.

ECT is no longer used as a last resort and is used for a number of conditions. There is an increase risk for suicide after ECT because patients once they begin to recognize their damages can find little help. They turn to their physicians and are often only offered more ECT. These patients need to be entered into a TBI rehabilitation program for assistance. They sadly are not for the most part as physicians protect physicians and facilities and write patients off as psychiatric in their complaints. Some have ended their lives as a direct result of this negligence to address.

See site ectjustice.com, ectjustice.net, and articles as it relates on site Mad in America. When you learn the t-ruth of this procedure please expose it how you can so others are made aware. Given these times of great emotional and Spiritual distress many are at risk for this being offered and need the truth to make an informed decision that will impact the rest of their lives. My gratitude.

Deborah Schwartzkopff