Which cognitive function is commonly impaired after ECT?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment commonly used for severe depression and other psychiatric disorders. One of the notable side effects associated with ECT is a decline in memory function, particularly retrograde amnesia, which affects a person's ability to recall events that occurred before the treatment. This impairment is often temporary, but it can be more pronounced in certain individuals.

Memory issues following ECT can manifest as difficulty recalling specific events or information, especially memories that were formed right before the treatment. In some cases, patients may struggle with the ability to form new memories immediately after undergoing the procedure, although this typically improves over time.

While problem-solving, attention, and language skills may also experience some level of disturbance due to the overall effects of ECT or related cognitive changes, memory impairment is the most consistently reported and significant cognitive function that tends to be affected post-treatment. Understanding the nuances of how ECT influences different cognitive domains is important for managing patient expectations and planning post-treatment care.