Psychiatric Malpractice: The Electroconvulsive Therapy Experience.
The malpractice experience of the American Psychiatric Association professional insurance program from 1972 to 1983 is reviewed. Seventeen cases among 711 "closed" cases related to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Nine were settled in favor of the psychiatrist; one case was tried and the jury found for the psychiatrist. Patients prevailed in seven cases by settlement. The author concludes that malpractice losses are not a significant factor in ECT practice or in its negative public image.
Slawson
Paul
P
Department of Psychiatry, University of California at Los Angeles-Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Los Angeles, California, USA.