Report damage from ECT and other medical devices directly to the FDA

Stop the Damage and Deaths from Electroshock and Dangerous Deep Brain Stimulation Devices

If you or a family member, loved one or friend has been damaged by electroconvulsive (electroshock) treatment, or by any electrical, electronic or magnetic brain stimulation device:


REPORT DAMAGE FROM ECT AND OTHER MEDICAL DEVICES DIRECTLY TO THE FDA

For smartphones and other mobile devices, download the following app and fill out the form:

www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/ucm385880.htm.

For reporting online without using the app, go to:

www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=reporting.home

Also report to the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR)

Contact CCHR at 1-800-869-2247, or fill out the Abuse Case Form online. All information will be kept confidential.


SPEAK OUT AGAINST PROVISIONS OF THE 21ST CENTURY CURES ACT

The 21st Century Cures Act (HR 6) is up for vote in the US Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan intend to push the bill through after the November 8 elections.

This bill will allow drugs and medical devices to be fast-tracked through FDA approvals without any requirement for clinical trials. Amendments are being proposed to exclude psychiatric devices and drugs from this bill, while allowing passage on medical life-saving drugs.

Speak out against the provisions of the bill intended to fast-track the ECT machine and other dangerous brain devices, which have never been fully approved by the FDA, and for which no long-term safety or efficacy has ever been established. These devices must be excluded from HR 6.

In addition to your own US senators, contact:


OPPOSE THE FDA’S PROPOSED RULING ON ECT

Speak out to prevent the FDA from lowering the risk classification of the electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) machine from Class III, high risk, to Class II, moderate risk. The lowered classification would place ECT machines in the same category as motorized wheelchairs and condoms, obviating the premarket approval process of clinical trials and regulatory review. You can also urge the ban of the ECT device altogether.

Contact:

  • Department of Health and Human Services
    Assistant Secretary for Legislation Jim Esquea
    200 Independence Ave.
    S.W. Room 416-G
    Washington, DC 20201
    Phone: 202-690-7627
    Fax: 202-690-7380

  • Inspector General’s Office
    Department of Health and Human Services
    330 Independence Ave. SW
    Washington, DC 20201
    1-800-447-8477
    Email: Public.Affairs@oig.hhs.gov

  • Food and Drug Administration
    Division of Industry and Consumer Education for Medical Devices (DICE)
    Email: DICE@fda.hhs.gov


RELATED ARTICLE

Human Rights Group Calls for Action to Stop Widespread Use of Brain-Damaging Electroshock Treatment

International mental health watchdog Citizens Commission on Human Rights calls for public action to oppose a proposal by the U.S. FDA to reclassify electroconvulsive (ECT) devices as being low risk, despite the documented health risks. The group has also launched a new public service announcement on the dangers of ECT as a part of this call to action.

LEARN MORE, WATCH THE VIDEO »

Downloads
Psychiatry: Hooking Your World on Drugs
FREE DOWNLOAD