What is a recognized side effect of electroconvulsive therapy?

What is a recognized side effect of electroconvulsive therapy?

• A. Amnesia lasting several months
• B. Hair loss
• C. Weight gain
• D. Renal dysfunction

Answer: (A)

Memory disturbance is the most recognized side effect of electroconvulsive therapy. ECT can transiently disrupt memory circuits, often causing retrograde amnesia for events around the treatment and some anterograde difficulty forming new memories in the immediate period after sessions. While most cognitive effects are temporary and resolve within days to weeks, some individuals experience longer-lasting memory impairment that can persist for months, which is why amnesia lasting several months is a plausible, documented outcome. Hair loss, weight gain, and renal dysfunction are not characteristic effects of ECT.

Memory disturbance is the most recognized side effect of electroconvulsive therapy. ECT can transiently disrupt memory circuits, often causing retrograde amnesia for events around the treatment and some anterograde difficulty forming new memories in the immediate period after sessions. While most cognitive effects are temporary and resolve within days to weeks, some individuals experience longer-lasting memory impairment that can persist for months, which is why amnesia lasting several months is a plausible, documented outcome. Hair loss, weight gain, and renal dysfunction are not characteristic effects of ECT.