What is a potential side effect of ECT that may last for several months?

Memory loss is a potential side effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) that can last for several months. ECT is primarily used to treat severe depression and other mental health disorders, and while it can be very effective, one of the most commonly reported side effects is cognitive impairment, particularly regarding memory.

Patients may experience difficulties with short-term memory and, in some cases, may not be able to remember events that occurred around the time of the treatment. This memory loss can be transient but may linger for an extended period in some individuals, leading to significant concerns about their ability to recall information or events.

Other listed options such as increased appetite, hallucinations, or insomnia are not commonly associated with ECT in the same way memory loss is. While it is possible for some individuals to experience changes in appetite or sleep patterns, these are not typically associated with the long-term cognitive effects that memory loss presents. Similarly, while hallucinations can occur in some psychiatric conditions, they are not a standard side effect of ECT itself. Thus, the most accurate choice reflecting a potential side effect that may last for several months after ECT is memory loss.