Knowledge and Attitudes of Patients and Their Relatives Toward Electroconvulsive Therapy in China

Abstract

Mental health professionals need to address the inadequate information on ECT provided to patients and their relatives prior to the treatment.

Knowledge and attitudes of older psychiatric patients and their caregivers towards electroconvulsive therapy

“…Of the adverse effects, memory impairment is the most common concern to patients . About two‐thirds of older patients reported memory impairment in our study, which is similar to the figure (65.7%) reported in adult studies …”

“…Similar to previous findings in adult patients, the majority of older patients and their caregivers appear to receive adequate information about the therapeutic effects of ECT. However, inadequate information was provided about the ECT process, adverse effects, and risks prior to ECT.…”

“…There were three answer options for each item: ‘yes’, ‘no’, and ‘I don't know’. Similar questionnaires were used previously in other studies …”

“…In addition, given the strong influence of sociocultural factors, findings about attitudes and knowledge regarding ECT obtained in other countries could not be generalized to China. To date, there has been only one published Chinese study that found that patients and their relatives had positive attitudes towards ECT . However, no data on older patients and their caregivers have yet been reported.…”

Electroconvulsive therapy for older adult patients with major depressive disorder: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

“…Thirst or dry mouth was reported in the AD group of all studies, while sleepiness was reported only in the ECT group in one study. As found previously, most side‐effects were transient . The discontinuation rate was reported in only one study, but group differences were not observed .…”