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I am writing in response to the article "Psychiatrists in South Africa Charged With Using Electroshock on Gay Soldiers," which appeared in the August 15 issue. This article, in no uncertain terms, implies that ECT (electroconvulsive therapy, electroshock) was used in that country as a means for forcibly changing sexual orientation in soldiers.
On reading the article, it was apparent to me (although I doubt it would be apparent to many practitioners who are not familiar with ECT) that in spite of the fact that "electroshock" and "ECT" are prominently mentioned, the practice in question has absolutely nothing to do with this treatment modality, but instead refers to a type of aversive behavior therapy.
ECT is a well-recognized treatment modality largely used in the care of patients with severe depression. Its use has been endorsed not only by APA, which has produced a book-length series of recommendations on its use, but also by the National Institute of Mental Health and major patient advocacy groups, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health America, and National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association.
Unfortunately, ECT suffers from attack from antipsychiatry forces, which feed upon misinformation such as is contained in the article in question, which, in effect, stigmatizes this valuable treatment modality to a large degree. Because of this situation, I strongly urge that you correct this mistake by publishing an erratum, pointing out that the article has nothing to do with the practice of ECT and that it refers instead to aversive behavior therapy.
Durham, N.C.
Dr. Weiner is correct, and Psychiatric News published a correction and apology in the September 5 issue.
- Editor