Introduction:

Electroconvulsive therapy is an effective and safe treatment option for various mental illnesses. Despite this fact, the general population, health professionals, patients with mental illness and their families, having a negative view, prevails and acts as a barrier to access. However, personal experience and experience of others been little explored.

Methods:

A mixed investigation was carried out with an objective was to know the perception of patients and their families using electroconvulsive therapy, to describe their experiences. A quantitative component was carried out through a survey applied before starting and after finishing the treatments. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and analyzed through thematic narrative analysis.

Results:

A total of 29 people participated in the quantitative part: 19 relatives and 10 patients. It was uncovered that both relatives and the patients improve in their knowledge and attitudes after the treatment, mainly on electroconvulsive therapy's technical procedures and indicated diagnosis. Regarding the qualitative part: 14 people participated in 9 interviews, of which, 5 were patients and 9 were relatives. The experience of the patient was described in 5 different categories: torture procedure, the last option, not what is shown in the movies, it is my reprieve and aspects to improve.

Conclusions:

After the electroconvulsive therapy experience, patients and relatives improve their perception of the procedure; however, it is important to continue strengthening psychoeducation in the general population, health professionals, patients, and their families.

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