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Pupillary Response as Assessment of Effective Seizure Induction by Electroconvulsive Therapy
Published on: April 11, 2019
Electroconvulsive therapy practice in Catalonia: a survey study comparing data from 1993 and 2010
Erika Martínez-Amorós1, Verònica Gálvez, Narcís Cardoner
1From the *Psychiatry Department, Parc Taulí Health Corporation, University Institute Parc Taulí Foundation, Autonomous University of Barcelona (IUFPT-UAB), Sabadell, Spain; †School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Therapeutic Neurostimulation Group, Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia; ‡Neuroscience Group [Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute-] IDIBELL, Mood Disorders Clinical and Research Unit, Psychiatry Department, Bellvitge University Hospital-ICS, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; §Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain; and ∥Schizophrenia Unit, Neuroscience Institute, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) use in Catalonia has increased and become more standardized since 1993. Current ECT practice shows consensus on indications and application, aligning with clinical guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a vital treatment for severe mental health conditions.
- Understanding current ECT practices is crucial for assessing treatment standards and accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the contemporary utilization of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Catalonia, Spain.
- To compare current ECT practices with those documented 17 years prior (1993).
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010.
- Data on ECT use in Catalan psychiatric units were collected via a structured questionnaire.
- Comparative analysis with historical data from 1993 was performed.
Main Results:
- ECT use rose to 80% of facilities in 2010, up from 60% in 1993.
- Brief-pulse devices, propofol anesthesia, and seizure duration monitoring were standard.
- Depression remained the primary indication, with ECT often combined with pharmacotherapy.
Conclusions:
- ECT administration in Catalonia has become more frequent and standardized.
- Current ECT practices demonstrate strong adherence to clinical guidelines and consensus on indications.
- The study highlights improved and consistent application of ECT in psychiatric care.
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