Paris Jackson Reveals Electroconvulsive Therapy for Depression, Cites Side Effects

Singer Paris Jackson has disclosed undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as part of her treatment for a severe bout of depression. The 28-year-old artist shared her experience on the podcast 'On Purpose with Jay Shetty,' revealing she received nine ECT sessions after a period where she felt close to attempting suicide.

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I was getting electrocuted. They use general anesthesia. You're unconscious when they shock you.

Jackson explained that the therapy came after trying various other treatments and spending time in five different institutions. She described the modern ECT procedure, which now uses general anesthesia, making patients unconscious during the electrical stimulation. "You go in, they give you the hospital gown, they put you to sleep, they tie you down, they put a mouthguard in, and they electrocute you," she recounted.

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I had a really bad headache after the first one. And then I started having memory problems.

However, the process was not without its difficulties. Jackson reported experiencing severe headaches after the first session and began struggling with memory issues. "There were days when I was not myself," she stated, recalling instances where she couldn't remember visits from friends or conversations they had.

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There were days when I was not myself.

Despite these challenging side effects, Jackson affirmed that the treatment was effective in managing her depression. She had previously explored various other approaches, including medication, dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR, CBD, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Jackson also mentioned she has been sober for six years and is currently seeking sustainable treatment, working with a behavioral specialist for her OCD. The experience with ECT is visually represented on the cover of her second album, 'Happiest Day of My Life,' where she is depicted wearing a mouthguard.

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