ECT is often misunderstood

Re “The Future Holds More Than Pills” [March 27]: One benefit to growing older is that, with more experience, we become less willing to speak in absolutes. The letters to the editor in the April 3 Times about electro-convulsive therapy are very disturbing because it is clear that those who have taken such rigid positions know less than they think about certain mental disorders, and what patients and their families have gone through when, at last, they decide to try ECT.

But then my reaction to their letters is based on personal knowledge and insight gained from the anguish of a dear friend who finally, fearfully, but bravely, decided that it was worth the risk. And it seems to be working, when all else had failed.

Sometimes, some things work for some people in some situations for some reason we don’t fully understand. I just hope that the writers of those letters get some understanding, wisdom and tolerance for something they don’t fully understand instead of dismissing the bravery of those who at least try ECT when all else has failed.

CATHERINE C. CATE

Santa Ana