Knowledge of and attitudes towards electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) among psychiatrists and family physicians in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess the knowledge of and attitudes towards ECT among psychiatrists and family physicians in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThe study is quantitative observational cross-sectional with a convenient sample that included psychiatrists and family physicians (including residents) in Saudi Arabia.ResultsOf the 434 questionnaires emailed, a total of 126 returned completed questionnaires (29% response rate). The mean age of respondents was 35 years old. Psychiatrists accounted for 68.3%. The majority were Saudis (95.2%) and male (70.6%). Around half were consultants and about two-thirds (62.7%) had worked in a facility that used ECT. Psychiatrists showed better knowledge than family physicians in their answers, with a mean total knowledge scoring of 8.12 (±1.25) out of 10 and 6.15 (±1.25), respectively (P < 0.0001). Among psychiatrists, 87% thought that ECT required general anesthesia, while 35% of family physicians believed so (P < 0.0001). Other items of ECT knowledge are discussed. Psychiatrists displayed a better attitude towards ECT than family physicians in all answers, with a mean score of 9.54 (±1.16) and 7.85 (±2.39), respectively (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsPsychiatrists scored better than family physicians in both knowledge and attitude regarding ECT.

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

“…As Beijing Anding Hospital mainly serves patients with acute and severe psychiatric disorders, many patients with major depression have psychotic symptoms, which justified the high percentage of antipsychotic use in this study. The mean number of ECT sessions was 6.7 AE 2.3, which was in the lower range of the usual recommended number of sessions (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12) in treatment guidelines in China. 24 One reason for the low number of treatments may be the poor general health of older patients, which reduces their ability to tolerate many ECT sessions.…”

“…8,9 Misconceptions and negative attitudes towards ECT due to its inaccurate portrayal in mass media, irrational fears of electricity, and excessive fear of memory loss have often created controversy around ECT. 8,10,11 However, studies in past decades have reassuringly found that the attitude of patients and their relatives towards ECT are usually positive. [12][13][14][15] Although ECT is often used in older patients, their attitudes and knowledge regarding ECT have not been well studied.…”

“…The knowledge and attitudes of patients and their caregivers towards ECT could significantly influence its acceptance and use in clinical practice . Misconceptions and negative attitudes towards ECT due to its inaccurate portrayal in mass media, irrational fears of electricity, and excessive fear of memory loss have often created controversy around ECT . However, studies in past decades have reassuringly found that the attitude of patients and their relatives towards ECT are usually positive .…”

Mental health professionals’ attitudes toward and knowledge about electroconvulsive therapy at Weskoppies Hospital, South Africa

“…The study found that negative attitudes toward ECT were common and that respondents who were more knowledgeable about ECT were more likely to consider ECT as a safe and effective treatment option. Several other studies have examined levels of knowledge and attitudes toward ECT among mental health professionals of the various disciplines . Studies have shown that knowledge of and attitudes toward ECT are amenable to targeted ECT education.…”

“…Several other studies have examined levels of knowledge and attitudes toward ECT among mental health professionals of the various disciplines. 11,12 Studies have shown that knowledge of and attitudes toward ECT are amenable to targeted ECT education. Solomon, Simiyon, and Vedachalam 13 and Pranjkovic, Degmecic, Medic Flajsman, Gazdag, Ungvari, and Kuzman 14 found that students received teaching about were more knowledgeable about and more positive about ECT.…”