Awareness regarding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) among service users at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: ECT saves lives and is extremely effective in treatment resistant psychiatric conditions. Despite this there appear to be an unease and stigma attached to ECT. Exploration about the awareness regarding ECT among service users can improve the practice of ECT. Objective was to demonstrate awareness about ECT among services users at a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried among all consenting service users at a tertiary care Hospital in Sri Lanka using an interviewer administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of 221 participants, 54% were careers. 65% thought ECT is a treatment for psychiatric conditions while 58% and 19% thought ECT is used to violence in the absence of a mental illness and to punish opponents respectively. There was no-significant association between educational level and awareness about ECT (p>0.05). The commonest source of ECT was doctors (43%). Cognitive side effects (46%) and headache (59%) were the commonly feared side effects. 5% thought ECT doesn’t 't have a scientific basis-and 20% felt it is an inhuman mode of treatment. 38% felt they would receive ECT if recommended. CONCLUSION: Doctors were the commonest source of information regarding ECT and more than half of the participants knew it was used to treat a psychiatric condition. Surprisingly only a minority thought ECT didn't have scientific basis however 20% felt it was an inhumane mode of treatment. However, a considerable proportion were willing to undergo ECT if recommended. Despite popular beliefs this cohort of participants appeared to have a more favourable awareness about ECT.