CCHR and Electroshock Survivors Reject Psychiatric Apology for Tortured Children

CCHR joins survivors of electroshock torture in NZ in condemning a very late apology issued by a psychiatric association, spanning half a century of neglecting the abuse endured. The group wants justice for victims of similar abuse in the U.S. The U.S.-based Citizens Commission on Human Rights International joined former child victims of psychiatric electroshock … Read more

CCHR Advocates for Ban on Electroshock Amid Concerns Raised by International Survey

Subjecting 100,000 Americans, including children, to electroshock (ECT) constitutes torture, given the risks associated with it, CCHR says. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights International (CCHR), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human rights in the field of mental health, is raising alarm over the dangers associated with Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), commonly known as electroshock. … Read more

CCHR Says Patients Given Electroshock Without Being Warned of Brain Damage Have Recourse

Mental health watchdog advises that recent global mental health human rights guideline warns electroshock can cause brain damage, citing U.S. manual. Electroconvulsive therapy, commonly known as electroshock or ECT, is being given to an estimated 100,000 Americans each year—and 1.4 million worldwide[1]—despite global health authorities’ recognition that it causes brain damage. The World Health Organization … Read more

CCHR Says Massachusetts Bill to Ban Electroshock Aversion Therapy is Needed Nationwide

Massachusetts is set to ban skin electroshock aversion therapy, described as torture by the UN, signaling the urgent need for a nationwide end to all electroshock use. A Massachusetts state bill that would prohibit painful and abusive behavior modification, involving the use of electroshock, could set a national precedent if passed, according to the Citizens … Read more

Study Shows Patients Misled About Electroshock Causing Permanent Memory Loss

Mental Health Watchdog CCHR points out patients are misled about the adverse effects of electroshock, including permanent memory loss and brain damage. Experts have warned that more than 50% of patients given electroshock treatment, also known as electroconvulsive therapy or ECT, may suffer permanent memory loss and that leaflets about the procedure’s risks fail to … Read more

CCHR Supports Call for Ban on Electroshock Treatment by UK Legislators

Mental health watchdog says a recent UK recognition that electroshock treatment should be banned is needed in the U.S., where 100,000 Americans, including children as young as 5, are electroshocked each year. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights International, a 54-year mental health industry watchdog based in Los Angeles, has welcomed the United Kingdom government … Read more

U.S. Congress Gives Legal Right to Ban Electroshock Treatment Torture Device

CCHR calls on Massachusetts legislators to ban the use of electroshock for behavioral punishment, and not wait for the FDA to prohibit the shock device, under new Congressional law.  We cannot wait until the FDA acts given its history of delays, while today children are still being tortured in the name of “therapy.” For more … Read more

CCHR Notifies Electroshock Hospitals on the Failure to Inform Patients of Risks

Watchdog says electroshock must be banned, but until this occurs, hospitals are being notified that omitting patient information of how electroshock treatment causes brain-damage and memory loss may constitute consumer fraud.  CCHR is responding to consumers reporting severe and permanent memory loss from undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). CCHR is writing to the more than 400 … Read more

Psychiatrist Selwyn Leeks Not Only Tortured Children, He’s Also Accused of Rape, Lake Alice NZ Inquiry Hears

*Warning: This story contains details that may disturb some people* A 14-year-old girl was drugged, electroshocked and allegedly raped by “sadistic” psychiatrist in NZ; staff and authorities ignored her pleas; police didn’t investigate the complaint. Never prosecuted, Leeks moved to Australia, where he continued to practice and sexually assault patients, without accountability. A Royal Commission … Read more

CCHR Urges Mental Health Month Oversight of Elderly Being Electroshocked

In the third in a series of articles to raise awareness about psychiatric abuse during mental health month, watchdog wants the cruelty of electroshocking the elderly as treatment for dementia stopped. Banning it could save lives. As part of Mental Health Month, the Citizens Commission on Human Rights International’s latest featured article on its website … Read more