Psychiatric Bulletin (2009) 33: 61-63. doi: 10.1192/pb.bp.107.019273
© 2009 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Trends in the administration of electroconvulsive therapy in England

David Bickerton, Consultant Psychiatrist

Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Adrian Worrall, Head of Centre for Quality Improvement

Royal College of Psychiatrists Research and Training Unit, London

Robert Chaplin, Consultant Psychiatrist

Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Research and Training Unit, 4th Floor, Standon House, 21 Mansell Street, London E18AA, email: rchaplin{at}cru.rcpsych.ac.uk

Declaration of interest

None.

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.