Implementing modified electroconvulsive therapy in Nigeria: current status and psychiatrists' attitudes

The current status of modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) practice in Nigeria and the attitudes toward the procedure was explored in a cross-sectional study of psychiatrists and trainees. Most psychiatric facilities still make use of the unmodified type of ECT. Although half of the respondents considered their knowledge of ECT as inadequate, most (92.2%) considered ECT relevant in contemporary times and preferred that the modified format be used (73.7%). They, however, identified cost and a lack of physician anesthetists as impediments to the widespread implementation of modified ECT and would welcome the establishment of minimum standards for ECT practice in Nigeria.