title: [Electroconvulsive therapy as a "last resort" in the treatment of depression?].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treatment-resistant depressed patients is supported by numerous international guidelines. This study aims to describe what type of patients are actually referred to treatment with ECT.
  
  
  METHODS
  We included all patients referred to two main ECT-treatment centers in Switzerland during the period of August 2008 to February 2011. We collected data on the diagnosis, severity of illness, and the history of treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most of the patients (n = 104) were referred after an average of 124 weeks of an index episode of unipolar depression. The patients were severely and chronically ill and had been treated on average for more than a decade. Eighty-three percent of the patients were referred for ECT treatment for the first time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The surveyed practice of referral does not concur with evidence-based guidelines for the use of ECT in the treatment of depression.
authors: Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich, Schweiz.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Pfaff
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Seidl
authors: Katrin
authors: K
authors: Angst
authors: Fritz
authors: F
authors: Ramseier
authors: Erich
authors: E
authors: Seifritz
authors: Boris B
authors: BB
authors: Quednow
authors: Heinz
authors: H
authors: Böker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D061218:Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012017:Referral and Consultation
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents