Patient- and Family-Centered Electroconvulsive Therapy

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health Care
• Patient-Centered Treatment Modalities

Background:

• Prior efforts focused on improving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) quality.
• This article explores the role of family member and significant other (SO) participation in ECT.

Discussion:

• Proposes limiting SO presence to the induction phase of ECT.
• Encourages SO involvement in pretreatment assessments for crucial patient information.
• Highlights the importance of an SO alliance due to potential patient memory impairment and fear of ECT.

Key Insights:

• SO input is vital for accurate patient condition assessment, especially when patient reports may be compromised.
• A therapeutic alliance with the SO can be as critical as with the patient.
• Family involvement can significantly improve the quality of ECT practice and care.

Outlook:

• Further research into optimal models of family and SO integration in ECT.
• Potential for enhanced patient outcomes through collaborative therapeutic relationships.
• Developing guidelines for effective SO participation in ECT procedures.