[Patterns of the use of electroconvulsive therapy in Barcelona].
BACKGROUND
To study the prevalence of use and the characteristics of current utilization of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Barcelona.


METHODS
A descriptive study was carried out in August of 1993. A structured interview designed by the authors was administered to psychiatrists in 20 hospitals, including general hospitals with Department of Psychiatry and psychiatric hospitals.


RESULTS
In 12 hospitals of the sample (60%) ECT was practised. The most frequent indication was depression (83%) followed by schizophrenia (17%). In all these hospitals pharmacological treatment was simultaneously used and the application of electrodes was bilateral. Most of them used stimulation by sinusoidal wave, thiopental was used as anesthetic agent, the duration of seizures was not evaluated, EEG monitoring was not performed and treatment in a surgeon's room was not applied. In 10 hospitals written consent was obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
ECT was used in general hospitals with psychiatric department of Barcelona, Spain, with high coincidence in indications but not in the technical aspects.
Bernardo
M
M
Subdivisión de Psiquiatría, Hospital Clínic i Provincial, Barcelona.
Arrufat
F
F
Pintor
L
L
Catarineu
S
S
Buisán
E
E
Ballús
C
C
D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy; D013030:Spain
Patrones de uso de la terapéutica electroconvulsiva en Barcelona.