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Paris Jackson Says Nine ECT Sessions Eased Her Depression

Her On Purpose interview gives a first-person account of modern electroconvulsive therapy that notes clinical benefit alongside painful immediate effects and lasting memory loss.

Overview

  • Jackson disclosed this week on the On Purpose podcast that she received nine electroconvulsive therapy sessions over three weeks after a period when she was very close to attempting suicide.
  • She described the modern procedure as done under general anesthesia with medical steps such as removing metal piercings, using plastic replacements and a mouth guard before controlled electrical stimulation.
  • Jackson reported strong clinical response but said the treatment caused severely painful sensations on waking and noticeable memory loss that affected daily life.
  • She declined ongoing monthly maintenance ECT and now follows a professionally supervised recovery plan that combines therapies while noting she has been sober for six years.
  • Her public account aims to correct stigma by showing how ECT is used today for severe, treatment‑resistant depression and by highlighting both its safeguards and its real tradeoffs for patients.