Study praises use of ECT

ELECTRIC shock therapy prescribing in Ireland is no different to other European and North American countries, a new study reveals.

It also found regional differences in the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression in Ireland were far less than previously believed.

Trinity College Dublin researchers are hoping their findings will reassure patients and their families there is probably a good reason why the treatment is being prescribed.

About 450 people are treated annually with ECT in Ireland and about one million worldwide. According to study co-author, Prof Declan McLoughlin, it is the most powerful treatment available for depression.

He said modern treatment involves applying a small electrical charge to the brain of an anaesthetised patient under medically-controlled safe conditions.

“ECT is undoubtedly a highly clinically effective treatment but, unfortunately, its uses has been limited by stigma as well as public concerns about previously reported variability in its use throughout Ireland,” he said.

The researchers found that the inter-regional difference was more than halved with the remaining difference mainly due to higher use of ECT in the West region, though the most recent commission report indicated that this variation was probably beginning to even out.

John McCarthy, founder of Mad Pride Ireland, said: “We have never argued that ECT is a good or bad treatment or that we want it stopped. We are more concerned that under the law at present people can be forced to have the treatment against their will,” he said.