Attitude of attendants for E.C.T. to be given in patients of psychiatric disorders

Abstract

Introduction

Utilization of E.C.T. has diminished since the middle of 20th century but, inspite of widespread use of pharmacological agents for treatment of major psychiatric disorders, E.C.T. is still treatment of choice for patients with severe suicidal symptoms, catatonia and diseases resistant to various pharmacological agents. But inspite of its excellent effect in various psychiatric disorders, acceptance of E.C.T. is very poor in society.

Objective

Objective of this study was to know the attitude of attendants for E.C.T. and acceptance after detailed description of procedure and discussing merits and demerits of E.C.T.

Aims

As still it is the best treatment for certain psychiatric disorders, so to increase the awareness about its benefits and try to remove the negativity regarding E.C.T. in society.

Method

In this study, 61 patients were randomly selected who had indication for E.C.T. without any discrimination of male and female. Their attendants were categorized by their socioeconomic status. All the attendants were asked open questions regarding their opinion for E.C.T. before taking consent.

Result

Sixty patients were selected who had indication for E.C.T. and their attendants were asked to give their opinion for E.C.T. Amongst them 9.84% were from upper socioeconomic status, 68.86% were from middle socioeconomic status and 21.31% were from lower socioeconomic status. Only 11.48% had a positive attitude, 75.40% had a negative attitude and 16.39% had no comments.

Conclusion

After developing good rapport and confidence with attendants and detailed explanation of E.C.T. procedure, its merits and demerits 75.40% had given a positive attitude, 22.95% had given negative attitude and still 1.64% had no comments.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.