Do patients with depression experience memory loss after receiving electroconvulsive therapy?
Nov 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Whether patients with depression experience memory loss after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) depends on individual treatment circumstances. With proper administration, most memory changes are temporary and do not result in permanent amnesia. Significant memory problems occur only when treatment is improperly conducted or when individuals are particularly sensitive. During treatment, family members can assist by helping the patient record daily events to support recall, and should encourage the patient to maintain a regular sleep-wake schedule.
Whether patients with depression experience memory loss after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) depends on the specific treatment circumstances. With proper administration, any memory changes are typically temporary and do not result in permanent amnesia; only when treatment is improperly conducted or the individual is particularly sensitive might more noticeable memory problems occur. A detailed analysis is as follows:
Currently, modified ECT used in clinical practice is relatively safe. Most patients experience only mild, short-term memory effects shortly after treatment, such as gaps in memory around the time of the procedure or forgetting minor recent events. These memory fluctuations are transient. As the body adapts to the treatment, memory function gradually recovers without causing long-term disruption to daily life.
In a small number of patients, factors such as inappropriate treatment parameters or high neural sensitivity may lead to somewhat prolonged memory issues. However, these primarily involve short-term memory and can be improved through targeted rehabilitation exercises. Permanent memory loss is extremely rare under standardized treatment and is mostly associated with unregulated or improper medical practices.
During treatment, family members can assist patients by helping them record daily events to support recall and encouraging regular sleep patterns. After treatment, frequently discussing familiar past experiences with the patient and engaging in moderate mental activities such as walking and reading can effectively promote recovery of memory function and help the patient return to normal life.
