Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Jackson has recently revealed that she underwent "painful" electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), commonly referred to as 'shock treatment', while battling depression.
In one of the episodes of Jay Shetty's On Purpose podcast, she said that she had attempted suicide many times. She also said that her "Happiest Day of My Life" album cover was inspired by her real-world treatment.
Paris also recalled her doctor telling her, "It's not as barbaric as it used to be. They use general anaesthetic. You're knocked out when they shock you."
She detailed her experience of putting on a hospital gown, being knocked out, getting strapped down, having a bite guard placed in her mouth, and being electrocuted.
“It helps with the neuroplasticity in your brain,” Paris continued. “If I’m not mistaken, it’s still the most effective form of depression treatment," she added. She also explains that amnesia is a side effect.
What is electroconvulsive therapy?
Electroconvulsive therapy is a medical procedure used to treat severe psychiatric conditions—most commonly treatment-resistant major depression, severe mania, and catatonia.
During ECT, small electrical currents are passed through the brain under controlled medical conditions to trigger a brief, controlled seizure intentionally. This seizure alters brain chemistry and neural activity, which can rapidly reverse severe symptoms when standard medications and therapy have failed.
How the procedure works
General anaesthesia: The patient is fully asleep under general anaesthesia and given a muscle relaxant, ensuring the body does not physically convulse during the seizure.
Electrode placement: Electrodes are placed on precise areas of the scalp—either on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral) of the head.
Controlled stimulus: A brief electrical pulse (lasting a few seconds) is delivered, inducing a cerebral seizure that typically lasts between 30 and 60 seconds.
Recovery: The patient wakes up 10–15 minutes later in a recovery room with no memory of the procedure itself.
What are its side effects?
Modern ECT is significantly safer and more refined than early historical methods:
Short-term effects: Post-procedure confusion, headaches, muscle soreness, and nausea.
Memory impacts: Retrograde amnesia (difficulty remembering events surrounding the treatment period) can occur. Memory issues usually improve in the weeks following treatment, though some gaps can remain permanent.
What are the various therapies for depression?
Since depression varies from person to person, the American Psychological Association and CANMAT emphasise that there is no single "best" treatment for everyone. Effectiveness depends heavily on symptom severity, individual genetics, treatment history, and personal preferences.
*Psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - CBT): High-intensity psychological therapies like CBT or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are first-line treatments. CBT helps restructure negative thought patterns and behaviours, carrying long-term benefits without medical side effects.
*Pharmacotherapy (Antidepressants): Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are the standard first-line medications. They target neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain to relieve severe physical and emotional symptoms.
*Combination Therapy: For moderate to severe depression, clinical consensus generally points to a combination of psychotherapy and medication as the most effective overall approach. Studies consistently show that combining both yields higher remission rates and lower relapse rates than either treatment alone.
