Electroconvulsive therapy in Nigeria: psychiatrists attitudes, knowledge and skills

A survey by a fixed alternative questionnaire of the attitudes, skills and knowledge of Nigerian psychiatrists and trainees was conducted to provide a comprehensive national information on the use of electroconvulsive therapy, ECT, in Nigeria. The response rate to the mailed questionnaire was 44.3%, a moderate but informative response because it is nationally representative. The findings indicate that Nigerian psychiatrists view the use of ECT favourably. About half of the respondents endorse the use of ECT with children under 16 years of age. Compared to other diagnostic categories, Nigerian psychiatrists showed higher preference for the use of ECT with major depression, schizophrenia and manic excitement. The importance of cross-cultural surveys of the attitude to various treatment modalities are highlighted.