Key result
The estimated number of patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy in England over a 3-month period declined from 2,835 in 1999 to 1,276 in 2006, while the proportion of detained patients significantly increased from 25% to 30%.
Why the study?
How has the administration of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in England changed in 2006 compared to 1999 and 2002?
Cross-Sectional (n=1,276)
Yes
How has the administration of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in England changed in 2006 compared to 1999 and 2002?
Absolute Event Rate: 30% vs 25%
p-value: p=0.0004
The use of ECT and the number of clinics providing it in England are declining, which may lead to decreased psychiatric experience with the treatment.
Declining ECT use may limit clinician experience; cross-sectional data leave open whether rising detention rates reflect appropriate selection or restricted access.
Aims and Method We measured the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) over 3 months in England in 2006 and compared that with studies from 1999 and 2002. Questionnaires were completed by hospital ECT staff and returned by post with data collected prospectively on ECT use from National Health Service organisations. Results Two-thirds (56 of 76) of the trusts providing ECT at 109 clinics responded. the number of clinics providing ECT and the number of patients receiving ECT has declined. There has been an increase in the proportion of people receiving ECT when detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. Clinical Implications The number of ECT clinics is likely to continue to decrease and psychiatrists may have decreasing experience of treating patients with ECT.
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Bickerton et al. (2009) conducted a cross-sectional in Patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (n=1,276). Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) administration in 2006 vs. ECT administration in 1999 and 2002 was evaluated on Proportion of patients receiving ECT while detained under the Mental Health Act (2006 vs 1999) (p=0.0004). The estimated number of patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy in England over a 3-month period declined from 2,835 in 1999 to 1,276 in 2006, while the proportion of detained patients significantly increased from 25% to 30%.
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