LETTERS IN VIEW : Pros, Cons of Shock Therapy

While you allude to some of the side effects that come about from ECT, like memory loss, The Times does not touch on the side effects that come about from treatment with medication, which you correctly point out is the treatment of choice by most psychiatrists in our society.

I was treated for about 15 years with lithium for manic depression.

Four years ago, doctors discovered that I have significant damage to both kidneys, which they say likely resulted from lithium. I have been placed on yet another powerful drug; it too leaves side-effects, which can cause more physical and/or mental damage. Doctors again dismiss the worry.

Let’s cut the half-truths and tell the whole story about what is essentially the treatment of convenience by the American Psychiatric Assn.--the all-too-common administration of dangerous drugs.

EDGAR GOODRICH

Los Angeles