D’Arcy welcomes removal of power to administer ECT where a patient can give consent but is unwilling to do so

Fine Gael Senator for Louth, Jim D’Arcy has welcomed the outcome of an expert group review of mental health legislation which calls for the removal of power to administer electroconvulsive therapy where a patient can give consent but is unwilling to do so.

“ECT is used to provide relief from psychiatric illness. Electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure, which seems to reverse symptoms of some mental illnesses.

“It was developed in the 1930s, after researchers noted that some people with depression or schizophrenia seemed to feel better after an epileptic seizure. It was used widely during the 1950s and 1960.

“Under current law, it can be administered to a patient even if the person has capacity to consent but refuses treatment. The 107-page report, published today, says that where a patient is unable to give consent, but a legally appointed representative can, ECT may proceed.

“The expert group review has said that the first possible opportunity to effect this change should be made in any future miscellaneous health legislation.

“I welcome the expert report and the commitment from Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health, Kathleen Lynch, that she will bring forward early proposals for a change to the legislation by the summer.”