Subjective experience of electroconvulsive therapy

Abstract

Aims and Method. People receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in one clinic completed side-effect rating questionnaires during treatment, and a questionnaire rating their experience of different aspects of treatment on completion of the treatment course. Results. Side-effects were commonly reported, but predominantly rated as mild or moderate. Most people reported that ECT had made them a little or a lot better, and that the treatment had been fairly or very well explained. Fewer than a fifth of respondents rated ECT as slightly or much worse than going to the dentist. Clinical Implications. We recommend routine monitoring of the subjective experience of ECT, during treatment and on completion of the course. Ratings should inform the treatment plan, the policies and procedures of the ECT clinic.