Between Hope and Trauma at the Last Resort: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis of Patient Experiences With Electroconvulsive Therapy.

PURPOSE: Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has long been used in psychiatry, it remains controversial due to its neurobiological mechanism and side effects. Exploring patient experiences with ECT can provide evidence for-or against-its use. The current study aimed to comprehensively understand patients' ECT experiences by synthesizing results from qualitative studies involving patients who underwent ECT.

METHOD: A meta-synthesis of studies from 2010 to 2024 was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Of 1,255 articles identified, 12 met inclusion criteria. Authors independently extracted and coded data, categorized it into subthemes, and integrated it into synthesized themes.

RESULTS

We identified nine subthemes and three primary themes: (1) Preconceptions and Decision-Making Pathways, (2) Interpersonal Contexts in the Delivery of ECT, and (3) The Therapeutic Encounter: Between Hope and Trauma at the Last Resort.

CONCLUSION

Findings reveal conflicting patient experiences. Further research is required to explore the experiences of patients, families, and nurses involved in ECT.