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Electroconvulsive Therapy in a Sample British Population in 1982.

J. Lambourn1, P. C. Barrington

  • 1Torbay Hospital, Torquay, Devon, and Herrison Hospital, Dorchester, Dorset, England.

Convulsive Therapy
|January 1, 1986
PubMed
Summary

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) use has halved but remains frequent, primarily treating elderly women with major depression. High mortality and morbidity were observed in depressed patients receiving ECT.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Clinical Neuroscience
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains a treatment option for severe mental health conditions.
  • Understanding current ECT practice patterns is crucial for evaluating its role in modern psychiatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze contemporary electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) utilization in a large British population.
  • To identify patient demographics, treatment protocols, and outcomes associated with ECT.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of a large dataset (3 million) and a subsample (390,000) of British patients receiving ECT.
  • Examination of prescription patterns, electrode placement, treatment frequency, and concurrent medications.

Main Results:

  • ECT use declined by 50% over a decade but remains frequent.
  • Primarily prescribed for major depressive illness in elderly women.
  • Bilateral electrode placement and thrice-weekly administration were common.
  • 90% clinician-predicted accuracy for favorable initial outcomes.
  • High mortality and morbidity noted in depressed patients.
  • 93% of treatments administered to informal patients.

Conclusions:

  • Despite declining use, ECT is still widely applied, particularly for elderly women with depression.
  • Treatment protocols involve bilateral placement, frequent administration, and concurrent psychoactive medication.
  • Observed high mortality and morbidity warrant further investigation into patient selection and care quality.

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