Changes in Electroconvulsive Therapy Practice in the Last 12 Years in Hungary

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Neuroscience

Background:

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) usage in Hungary was minimal in 2002, primarily for schizophrenia patients.
• This study investigates the current landscape of ECT utilization in Hungary in 2014.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the utilization of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Hungarian acute adult psychiatric units in 2014.
• To identify the reasons behind the non-utilization of ECT in psychiatric facilities.

Main Methods:

• Two semi-structured questionnaires were distributed to all acute adult psychiatric units nationwide.
• Data collection focused on ECT service provision and barriers to its implementation.

Main Results:

• Out of 54 responding units, only 22 actively performed ECT in 2014, with 31 units not offering it.
• ECT was administered to 174 patients (0.59% of inpatients), with a shift in primary indication from schizophrenia to mood disorders.
• Key barriers to ECT use included lack of equipment, anesthesiologists, funding, and trained staff.

Conclusions:

• Limited access to ECT in Hungary likely deprives patients with mood disorders of optimal treatment, violating their right to care.
• Underfinancing of the hospital system and insufficient expertise are primary contributors to the inadequate ECT service provision.