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Could seasonal patterns in ECT use impact service delivery? A nationwide study
David Barruel1, Marion Plaze2,3, Valérie Dauriac-Le Masson2
1GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Hôpital Sainte Anne, 1, rue Cabanis, Paris, 75014, France. d.barruel@ghu-paris.fr.
International Journal of Mental Health Systems
|May 24, 2026
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) use in France shows a distinct winter peak, particularly in December. Healthcare systems must plan for this predictable surge in demand to optimize resource allocation.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Healthcare Resource Management
- Psychiatric Services
Background:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a vital treatment constrained by resource limitations.
- Effective resource planning in public healthcare necessitates anticipating demand fluctuations.
- Understanding seasonal trends in ECT utilization is crucial for French healthcare systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate seasonal patterns in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) utilization in France.
- To analyze ECT demand trends over an extended period (2017-2023).
- To inform resource allocation strategies for public healthcare.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the French national administrative and medical database.
- Examination of monthly ECT utilization time series from 2017 to 2023.
- Application of robust statistical methods to identify seasonal patterns.
Main Results:
- A significant seasonal pattern with 12-month periodicity was identified in ECT use, explaining 16% of variance.
- ECT activity consistently peaked in early winter (November-December), with a mean relative amplitude of 13.1%.
- Seasonal variations were observed across demographic and diagnostic subgroups, though less pronounced in younger patients and those with schizophrenia.
Conclusions:
- ECT providers in France must prepare for predictable recurrent winter peaks in demand.
- Proactive healthcare policies are needed to align staffing and resources with seasonal ECT activity.
- Anticipating winter surges in ECT utilization is essential for efficient healthcare delivery.
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