The following is a recording of the impactful testimony of Linda Andre concerning the 1999 Vermont House Bill H12, focusing on informed consent for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Who is Linda Andre
Linda became a patient safety advocate After becoming disabled by a series of shock treatments she was coerced into having by her family and doctors.
After Marilyn Rice retired as president for the Committee for Truth in Psychiatry—an organization committed to ensuring genuine informed consent for all individuals undergoing ECT, Linda took on this important role.
Devoting herself to this cause, Linda spoke at hearings like this one, engaged with peers, authored compelling presentations, delivered public speeches, participated in conferences, and played a pivotal role in organizing advocacy efforts for those adversely affected by ECT.
Her book, “Doctors of Deception: What They Don’t Want You to Know About Shock Treatment,” stands out as a paramount resource on ECT. In my opinion, it is an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the subject. If you choose to read just one book on ECT, make it this one.
Her impact
Linda Andre’s efforts are an extraordinary gift to our community. The toll of being a disabled activist, both physically and mentally, is immense. She dedicated her best years after ECT to spare others from the fate she endured.
Linda Andre was my hero. Even though I never had the opportunity to speak with her directly, finding her work reassured me that I was not alone after being disabled by ECT. Her book gave me insight into the many challenges face and how to address them.
I am heartbroken to say that she passed away this year.
If you can, please consider donating to her GoFund me to cover funeral expenses and the presevation of her invaluble work. https://www.gofundme.com/f/linda-andre
Tributes to Linda
Some of her work
- The Controversial History of ECT – An Interview with Linda Andre
- ECT Safety Reclassification: The Committee for Truth in Psychiatry to the FDA
- NIMH Funded ECT researcher deletes patient emails requesting cognitive evaluations after publicly offerings them
- Doctors of Deception: What They Don’t Want You to Know about Shock Treatment
- Electroshock As Head Injury | HealthyPlace
- Excerpts from 1990 FDA ECT Dockets
