Variability in attitudes and use conditions of electroconvulsive therapy. Results of a preliminary study

Abstract

Objective: Presenting the results of a pilot study on attitudes and use of ECT in Spain which was administrated to volunteers during a national congress of psychiatry.

Material and methods: A cross survey on a sample of psychiatrists (N= 125) –which is not representative enough– who attended the congress. A descriptive analysis of the outcomes is made.

Results and conclusions: There is a statistically significant association depending whether ECT is used in the work place or not. When it is used, there are 100% favorable attitudes. On the other hand, only 36% attitudes are favorable when ECT is not used in the work place. It is typically applied within a period of 8-10 treatment sessions, with a mean frequency of three times a week, performed by psychiatrists who treat with this technique less than 10 patients per year and using facilities within 1 to 5 years old. Maintenance ECT is unusual and it is only performed in monthly or fortnightly sessions. The commonest anesthetic agents are Propofol and Thiopental but this is unknown by 27.6% of the practitioners. The outcomes are contrasted with the consolidated guidelines on clinical practice of ECT.