What is a practical strategy to address memory loss following ECT?

What is a practical strategy to address memory loss following ECT?

• A. Encourage journaling or memory aids like post its
• B. Discourage memory support
• C. Stop medications
• D. Increase sedation

Answer: (A)

Memory loss after ECT is common and usually temporary, so a practical strategy is to provide external support for memory. Encouraging journaling and memory aids like post-its helps compensate for recall gaps, keeps daily routines organized, and reduces frustration. These tools act as reminders and cues, making it easier to manage tasks, track progress, and communicate with clinicians about changes in cognition. The other options either remove a useful coping resource (discouraging memory support), risk treatment effectiveness (stopping medications), or worsen cognitive function (increasing sedation).

Memory loss after ECT is common and usually temporary, so a practical strategy is to provide external support for memory. Encouraging journaling and memory aids like post-its helps compensate for recall gaps, keeps daily routines organized, and reduces frustration. These tools act as reminders and cues, making it easier to manage tasks, track progress, and communicate with clinicians about changes in cognition. The other options either remove a useful coping resource (discouraging memory support), risk treatment effectiveness (stopping medications), or worsen cognitive function (increasing sedation).