<p>The Effect of Counseling on Stigma in Psychiatric Patients Receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Clinical Trial Study</p>

Abstract

PurposeDespite its efficacy and safety, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is underutilized, in part, due to the stigma associated with the treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of counseling on stigma in patients with psychiatric disorders receiving ECT.Patients and methodsA total of 114 patients with psychiatric disorders undergoing ECT were randomly divided into two groups. Both the groups received routine care and treatment, but the intervention group (n=57) received four counseling sessions. At the beginning and end of the study (6 weeks, post-treatment), patients completed the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale. The data were analyzed using independent and paired sample t-tests.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the mean stigma scores of participants in the control and intervention groups before counseling (P>0.08). However, post-intervention, there was a significant difference in the mean stigma scores between both the groups (P<0.001).ConclusionThe findings demonstrate that the counseling intervention is effective in decreasing stigma in patients undergoing ECT. Therefore, it is recommended to use this therapeutic method in such patients.

Effect of a Video-Assisted Teaching Program About ECT on Knowledge and Attitude of Caregivers of Patients with Major Mental Illness

“…25 In view of the stigma associated with ECT, counseling sessions have also been conducted to the caregivers, and it was effective in reducing the stigma and thereby improving their acceptance of ECT as a safe therapeutic strategy. 12 In addition, Shamsaei et al demonstrated that the family pre-ECT teaching intervention and counseling decreased the depression, anxiety, and stress level of family caregivers of patients with mental disorders receiving ECT. Their results suggested that even a short-term educational intervention for family members can improve the emotional outcomes of treatment in the family.…”

“…29 The findings of the current study were almost similar and are supported by other studies, which revealed that the caregivers had lack of knowledge regarding ECT and that a substantial number of subjects had positive attitude toward ECT. 7,12,24 Virit et al 30 assessed the attitude of BPAD patients and their caregivers toward ECT, and they concluded that patients and relatives were satisfied with the treatment, found it beneficial, and maintained a positive attitude toward 31 found that among patients with major depression, the patient's quality of life and function improved as early as two weeks after the completion of ECT. Although ECT was generally viewed as beneficial, effective, and safe, memory impairment was its most commonly reported adverse effect.…”

“…25 In view of the stigma associated with ECT, counseling sessions have also been conducted to the caregivers, and it was effective in reducing the stigma and thereby improving their acceptance of ECT as a safe therapeutic strategy. 12 …”

“…The outcome measure used was a standardized tool that has been used in many previous studies in the Indian population. 7,[12][13][14] The knowledge assessment questionnaire had 29 items and the scores ranged from 0 to 29. A score of one was given for every correct answer and the wrong response was scored as zero.…”

“…The outcome measure used was a standardized tool that has been used in many previous studies in the Indian population. 7 , 12 – 14 …”