Audit of thrice- versus twice-weekly ECT.
BACKGROUND
There is a lack of knowledge regarding some basic differences between different electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment schedules.


OBJECTIVE
To examine differences, including ECT technical parameters and length of stay, between thrice- and twice-weekly ECT treatment schedules.


METHODS
Prospective audit of the changeover period of administering thrice- to twice-weekly ECT in a Dublin psychiatric hospital.


RESULTS
Twice-weekly ECT was associated with significantly lower total electricity dosage administered, a tendency toward shorter overall hospital stay and fewer ECT treatments compared to thrice-weekly ECT.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results support the current international trend toward giving ECT twice weekly.
Cluain Mhuire Community Mental Health Service, Blackrock, County Dublin, Ireland. ectoroche@gmail.com
Eric
E
Roche
Jasmin
J
Lope
Helen
H
Hughes
Niamh
N
McCullagh
Terence
T
Larkin
Larkin
L
Feeney
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies