Which is a common short-term side effect after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

Which is a common short-term side effect after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

• A. Memory improvement
• B. Hypertension
• C. Confusion and memory loss
• D. Hair loss

Answer: (C)

Temporary confusion and memory loss after ECT are common. Under anesthesia, the induced seizure can briefly disrupt memory encoding and retrieval, leading to disorientation and difficulty recalling events around the treatment in the hours to days afterward. These cognitive effects are typically short-lived and tend to improve with time and subsequent sessions. This differs from memory improvement, which would be a therapeutic outcome rather than a side effect; hair loss is not related, and hypertension, while possible, is less characteristic as a short-term post-ECT symptom.

Temporary confusion and memory loss after ECT are common. Under anesthesia, the induced seizure can briefly disrupt memory encoding and retrieval, leading to disorientation and difficulty recalling events around the treatment in the hours to days afterward. These cognitive effects are typically short-lived and tend to improve with time and subsequent sessions. This differs from memory improvement, which would be a therapeutic outcome rather than a side effect; hair loss is not related, and hypertension, while possible, is less characteristic as a short-term post-ECT symptom.