The misconceptions about ECT are the result of many factors. The media portrays ECT in a negative light, and as a method that is unnecessarily inhumane, risky, and dangerous. Additionally, these perspectives are influenced by the short-term and long-term effects of ECT. Most people who are treated using ECT report significant improvement. In the future, people's perspectives may be more positive as ECT becomes more common as a treatment method. However, the risks and negative effects of ECT will influence the future of ECT and how often it is used.