Survey on Pre-ECT Evaluation and ECT Application

Summary

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Description

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an extremely important therapeutic method in the treatment of certain psychiatric conditions. Its' effect has been demonstrated in many clinical trials, and the indications for the use of ECT are clearly defined. Thus, the absolute indications for the use of ECT ar...

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an extremely important therapeutic method in the treatment of certain psychiatric conditions. Its' effect has been demonstrated in many clinical trials, and the indications for the use of ECT are clearly defined. Thus, the absolute indications for the use of ECT are catatonia and malignant neuroleptic syndrome, while the relative indications for ECT are therapy-resistant schizophrenia, depression and chronic suicidality. When the lead psychiatrist sets an indication for the use of ECT, pre-ECT evaluation is conducted. Although the pre-evaluation aims to assess the psychophysical condition of the patient and to determine the potential risks and possible side effects of such therapy, no clear algorithm of procedures is specified. There is no data on clear guidelines for the necessary processing prior to the application of ECT, both at national levels and globally. The assessment recommendations, however, are very broad, and most of them are focused on the ethical issues of applying ECT. The standardized pre-ECT evaluation would provide physicians and patients a systematic and evidence-based risk assessment and presumption of adverse reaction profiles.

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