Electroconvulsive therapy: the struggles in the decision-making process and the aftermath of treatment.
The perceptions of patients and their family members about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are crucial to understanding the meaning attached to having ECT and the impact it has on quality of life. Thus, in this qualitative study, patients and their family members described their perceptions of having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The experience occurred in two distinct periods in the patient's life: making the decision to have ECT and the physical and emotional aftermath of treatment. One of the most important themes in the study was a need for patients and families to be better informed about the risks of ECT.
Smith
Marilyn
M
School of Nursing, West Virginia University, Charleston, West Virginia, USA. msmith@hsc.wvu.edu
Vogler
Jason
J
Zarrouf
Fahd
F
Sheaves
Crystal
C
Jesse
Jane
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003657:Decision Making; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035502:Trust; D014903:West Virginia