Dr. John Breeding on ECT

Dr. John Breeding presented to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Neurological Devices Panel examining the reclassification of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) devices on January 27, 2011. These are his remarks as promulgated in the world register of the meeting.

My call is John Breeding.I`ve been a Texas psychologist foralmost 30 years, and I`m a founding member of the Alliance for theAbolition of Ect in Texas.

`ve been fighting for 20 years in efforts toabolish or at least limit the use of electroshock because of its severe dangerand lack of efficacy.Although we narrowly failed to reach a total banon electroshock in Texas, the procedure is prohibited for children under age 16and extra safeguards are in order for the elderly.In Texas at least, we knowthat electroshock is dangerous, and electroshock machines are verydangerous.So, of course, I`m strongly against the reclassification of themachines.

Two very experienced neurologists submitted writtentestimony but could not be here today.Dr. John Friedberg is the author ofShock Treatment is Not Just for Your Brain.Here`s what he said."Theintentional induction of convulsions should be abolished.In my entire career, I never met an epileptic who benefited from their seizures.I neverhad a patient tell me a seizure leaves them feel happier.ECT causesmemory loss in all cases, dramatic damage in some."

I entirely harmonize with Dr. Friedberg.I`ve seen the researchshowing brain damage and memory loss, and I`ve sat with the victims ofelectroshock.I`ve witnessed their heavy losses and disabilities.Ipersonally know at least 3 people who hold permanent seizuredisorders now as a consequence of electroshock, including Diana Loper (ph. who isone of the women I left in Charlotte.I know many more who are unable towork and on permanent disability.The former woman I left there, EvelynScogin, is ineffective to act as a teacher because of her disabilities.

As a psychologist, I appreciate also what Dr. Fred Bowman hadto say."Throughout the more than three decades of my neurologicalpractice, I have encountered patients treated with ECT who had permanenterasures of their memory.Psychiatrists may want to call ECT therapeutic,but it never achieves anything but to diminish adaptability in the broadestsense and cannot be called therapeutic or medically justifiable."

That my own mental health profession systematically inflictsbrain damage is a disgrace and a disgrace, that women like Evelyn Scogin andDiana Loper strove to get here now is an incredible testament to theirresilient spirit.

Anyone who is good about evaluating electroshock needs to study this book, Doctors of Deception, What They Don`t Want You To Knowabout Shock Treatment, by researcher and electroshock survivor, LindaAndre.It`s the best up-to-date document on jar and makes it clear thatthe reason we`re still having this conversation today is a triumph of publicrelations over science.

The skill is open about the basic questions of risk andbenefit.Electroshock is not safe.It is highly dangerous.It alwayscauses brain damage.The most obvious evidence of this is memory loss.Itsometimes causes death.While the American Psychiatric Association arguesthat electroshock deaths are rare, one study published in 1993 reported 10deaths among 37 patients 80 and older who underwent electroshock.In themid 1990s, the Texas Department of Mental Health and Retardationreported 21 deaths among an estimated 2,000 patients who wereelectroshocked.In Texas, we`re clear that these machines are dangerous.

The electroshock machine industry has consistently ignoredFDA requirements for show on the guard and efficaciousness of their machines.I think it is a political question as to why your agency has consistentlyrefused to hold the law and take the industry accountable.For now, I urgeyou to do the correct thing and impart these brain-damaging machines in thehigh risk category.Thank you.

- John M. Grohol Psy.D.