The European Forum for Electroconvulsive Therapy

Formed in 2005, EFFECT works to champion ECT across Europe, and organises an annual scientific meeting attending by professionals from all around the world.


Find out more about EFFECT’s mission below.

The Goals of EFFECT

Combat

EFFECT aims to combat the stigma associated with ECT

Promote

EFFECT aims to promote continuous ECT research and to inform the general public about ECT.

Educate

EFFECT aims to enable communication, collaboration and exchange of information and ideas among ECT practitioners across Europe

High Standard

EFFECT aims to promote education and discussions on high standard of ECT practice and safe and effective patient care across Europe

EFFECT Board Members

GEORGE KIROV (UK) chair
PASCAL SIENAERT (BE) member
GABOR GAZDAG (HU) member
ESMÉE VERWIJK (NL) vice chair
DECLAN MCLOUGHLIN (IE) member
INDIRA TENDOLKAR (NL) secretary
CHRISTOPHE DAUDET (FR) member
OLIVIA DEAN (UK) member
ALEXANDER SARTORIUS (GE) member
JASMIEN OBBELS (BE) treasurer
FABIO SAMBATARO (IT) member
AIDA DE ARRIBA ARNAU (SP) member
KAIJA JARVENTAUSTA (FL) co-opted member from NACT

Electroconvulsive therapy is the most effective treatment for severe, psychotic or treatment-resistant depression. However, its effectiveness continues to be questioned, both in mainstream media and narratives within the scientific literature.