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Updated: May 23, 2026
04:51
Pupillary Response as Assessment of Effective Seizure Induction by Electroconvulsive Therapy
Published on: April 11, 2019
Knowledge, experience & attitudes concerning electroconvulsive therapy among patients & their relatives
R Rajagopal1, S Chakrabarti, S Grover
1Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India.
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|March 27, 2012
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is widely used, yet patient awareness is low. While most patients view ECT positively, relatives show greater understanding and satisfaction, highlighting areas for practice improvement.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Mental Health Treatment
Background:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a common psychiatric treatment, particularly in developing nations.
- Limited research exists on patient and relative perceptions of ECT in these regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively assess knowledge, experiences, and attitudes towards ECT among patients and their relatives.
- To evaluate perceptions of brief-pulse, bilateral, modified ECT.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 153 ECT recipients.
- Questionnaires administered to 77 patients and relatives to gauge awareness and views on ECT.
Main Results:
- Patients often lacked awareness of ECT procedures, despite generally positive experiences.
- Dissatisfaction was noted regarding informed consent, treatment fear, and memory impairment.
- Relatives demonstrated higher awareness, satisfaction, and more favorable attitudes toward ECT compared to patients.
Conclusions:
- ECT recipients generally hold positive views towards the treatment.
- Improvements in informed consent, patient education, and addressing memory concerns are needed to enhance satisfaction for both patients and relatives.
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